The tussle between industries in Taloja MIDC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) over pending permissions has intensified, with the Taloja Industries Association (TIA) alleging that delays in approvals are stalling growth, job creation, and state revenue.
According to TIA, despite the Taloja CETP Co-op Society Ltd. being compliant with pollution control norms for nearly a year, the MPCB has not cleared applications for expansion and product diversification.
Satish Shetty, president of the Taloja Industries Association (TIA), said, “Industries have followed every norm, yet permissions are being withheld. This hampers growth, reduces GST revenue, and discourages investment. If this continues, industries may be forced to relocate to other states.”
However, the MPCB has defended its stand, stating that its hands are tied due to higher-level restrictions. MPCB Navi Mumbai regional officer Satish Padwal explained, “There are restrictions because of guidelines from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Ministry of Forest and Environment, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The NGT has given specific orders, and even cases have gone to court. Because of this, MPCB cannot clear expansion and diversification proposals at the moment.”
Padwal added that the board is not opposed to industrial growth, “We want industries at Taloja to expand and generate more employment. We also want companies to approach us so we can guide them. But until higher-level restrictions are addressed, MPCB cannot grant permissions.”
The deadlock has created uncertainty among industrial units, many of which cite mounting economic losses. TIA has now escalated the matter to the state and central governments, warning that Maharashtra risks losing industries, investments, and thousands of jobs if a resolution is not reached soon.
