Ambernath: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued closure notices to two chemical companies, Suma Chemicals and Aviditya Chemicals, in Morivali MIDC, Ambernath West. Following complaints of toxic gas pollution in the area. The action came after an inspection conducted by MLA Dr. Balaji Kinikar along with MPCB officials.

Despite the enforcement action, residents of the B-Cabin area in Ambernath East continue to report gas-related distress, prompting demands for stricter action against other units allegedly responsible for air pollution.

According to the concerns raised, certain chemical factories were not operating their gas-scrubbing systems properly, resulting in the release of acidic fumes into the atmosphere and raising public health concerns. Following inspections that reportedly revealed operational deficiencies, MPCB officials directed the closure of the two units.

However, social worker Shashikant Dayma questioned whether the action would lead to a lasting solution. He pointed out that MPCB had previously issued closure notices to approximately 97 companies and 130 jeans-washing units, but alleged that many resumed operations within a few days.

Dayma said, "Issuing notices alone would not be sufficient to address the recurring pollution problem." He called for continuous monitoring and direct supervision of industrial units to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

The continuing complaints from residents have intensified calls for accountability and effective enforcement against polluting industries in the MIDC area.

Residents are now awaiting MPCB’s further action and are seeking concrete measures to prevent the recurrence of toxic gas emissions. The effectiveness of the latest closure notices will depend on sustained enforcement, regular inspections and strict compliance with pollution-control standards by the concerned industries.