A proposed ?1,400-crore cement manufacturing plant by an Adani Group subsidiary in Ambivli, Kalyan, has sparked widespread opposition. The project has not only raised concerns among Ambivli locals but has also united residents from neighboring villages like Mohone, Manda, and Atali. Fearing serious health risks and potential pollution of nearby rivers, locals have launched poster campaigns and signature drives to oppose the plant. The proposed 26.1-hectare site lies just 10 meters from Ambivli railway station and is close to the Kalu and Ulhas rivers. Nearly 5 lakh people reside within a 2-kilometer radius of the site. Environmental activist Nitin Nikam highlighted that the project violates existing environmental regulations, which require such industrial units to be located at least 500 meters away from residential areas. According to sources, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has received over 300 objections following its public notice inviting feedback on the proposed plant by Ambuja Cements. A public hearing regarding the matter is scheduled for Tuesday.Prakash Bhoir, head of the Manda Gramstha Mandal, criticized the apparent change in plans by the Adani Group. “When they acquired the land, they had promised to set up a warehouse that would   local employment. Now, they are jeopardizing our health. We plan to step up our protests in the coming days,” he said.While Ambuja Cements has declined to comment officially, sources say the company insists that the land falls within a designated industrial zone.

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