Kalyan: A proposed Rs 1,400-crore cement plant by an Adani Group subsidiary in Kalyan’s Ambivli has brought together not only the village but also the nearby Mohone, Manda and Atali villages. Worried it’ll endanger health and pollute rivers, they have launched poster campaigns and signature drives in protest.The site, a 26.1-hectare plot, is just 10m from Ambivli station and near Kalu and Ulhas rivers. Nearly 5 lakh people live in a 2km radius. Activist Nitin Nikam said the plant will violate environmental norms mandating that such units be at least 500m from residential zones.Sources said over 300 objections have been sent in response to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board seeking feedback on construction of the plant by Ambuja Cements. The hearing on the feedback is set for Tuesday. Prakash Bhoir, leader of Manda Gramstha Mandal, said when Adani Group acquired the land, it promised to set up a warehouse that would give jobs to locals. “But now, they are planning to play with our health. We will intensify our protest in the coming days.” Ambuja Cements officials refused to comment. Sources said the firm maintains that the site is in the designated industrial zone. —Pradeep Gupta
