A proposed ?1,400-crore cement manufacturing plant has sparked widespread opposition. The project has raised concerns not only among Ambivli locals but also has united residents from nearby villages. 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 is located just 10 meters from a railway station and is close to the Kalu and Ulhas rivers. Nearly 500,000 people live within a 2-kilometer radius of the site. Environmental activists have pointed out 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 state pollution control board has received over 300 objections following its public notice inviting feedback on the proposed plant. A public hearing regarding the matter is scheduled for Tuesday. Local leaders criticized the apparent change in plans, saying that the land was originally promised for a warehouse to create local employment, but now it threatens the community's health. Protests are expected to intensify in the coming days. While the company behind the project has declined to comment officially, sources say it maintains that the land is within a designated industrial zone.

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