Palghar, Maharashtra: In a tragic accident on Friday evening, two laborers lost their lives due to suffocation after falling into a 30-foot-deep pit at an RMC (Ready-Mix Concrete) plant located in the Sasupada area near the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, under the jurisdiction of Naigaon Police Station. A third worker who attempted to rescue them was seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital.
The incident took place at the Mahakaal RMC Plant, owned by a man named Angad Singh. According to police officials, the deceased workers, identified as Vishwajeet Harishchandra Rajbhar (20) and Rajan Surendra Rajbhar (24), were heading to retrieve a rope when they suddenly fell into the pit. Eyewitnesses reported that both began shouting for help from inside the pit.
Ajay Yadav, another laborer at the plant, called for assistance upon hearing the cries. In a brave rescue attempt, a worker named Salman Khan entered the pit but began suffocating as well. He too called for help before all three were eventually pulled out with the help of a Hydra crane.
Vishwajeet and Rajan were found unconscious and rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Salman Khan is currently receiving treatment at Orbit Hospital in Mira Road.
The Sasupada, Sasunavghar, and Maljipada areas along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway are home to a large number of RMC plants, many of which are allegedly operating illegally. These plants have been widely criticized for causing severe air pollution, which poses serious health risks to both local residents and highway commuters. The pollution is also causing substantial environmental damage in the region. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding this issue.
The NGT had previously issued notices to nine RMC plants, imposing penalties and ordering their closure. However, these plants continue to operate allegedly due to the inaction of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). Locals allege that these plants flout environmental regulations, leading to widespread pollution in the area. The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation had recently filed a case against the operators of these nine plants at the Naigaon Police Station. Despite this, the MPCB has reportedly failed to enforce their closure. MPCB officials have stated that notices have been served.
The NGT has issued closure notices and penalties to nine RMC plants in the region. However, due to alleged inaction by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), many of these facilities continue to operate in violation of environmental and safety regulations. The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation had previously filed complaints against the operators of these plants with the Naigaon Police, yet enforcement remains insufficient. MPCB officials have claimed that notices have been served, but the situation on the ground has seen little improvement.
