The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stepped in firmly after growing environmental and public health concerns over an alleged illegal stone quarry operating just behind the Tata Cancer Hospital (ACTREC) in Kharghar. With complaints mounting from environmental groups and residents, the tribunal has now clubbed two separate petitions and scheduled a joint hearing on December 5 — signalling that the matter has moved beyond routine scrutiny and into serious judicial focus.
The controversy gathered momentum after CIDCO and the Maharashtra Environment Department, in separate RTI responses to NatConnect Foundation, categorically stated that no permissions had been granted for quarrying in the area. Despite this, the quarry continues to function, raising uncomfortable questions about regulatory oversight, environmental compliance, and administrative accountability.
At last hearing, the NGT’s Western Zonal Bench expressed concern over the direct risks posed to cancer patients, medical staff, and high-precision equipment at ACTREC. Environmental groups have highlighted issues such as heavy dust emissions, vibrations from blasting, and possible structural impacts on sensitive radiology and research facilities. For a hospital treating immunocompromised and critically ill individuals, even minor dust or vibration levels can have serious implications—making the continuing quarry operations especially alarming.
The case first drew national attention in July, when the NGT’s Principal Bench took suo motu cognisance of media reports based on findings from NatConnect Foundation and the Kharghar Hill and Wetland Forum. Their RTI information from the Raigad district administration also confirmed that no permissions existed for the quarry’s operations. Following this, the Principal Bench transferred the matter to the Western Zonal Bench for deeper examination and fact-finding.
In its latest application, NatConnect has urged the NGT to order an immediate halt to all mining and crushing activities. The foundation warned that dust could settle on radiological equipment, blasting could disrupt ongoing research, and continuous vibrations might weaken the hospital’s structural stability. The application also cites RTI information from ACTREC, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, indicating internal concerns over the quarry’s proximity and impact.
Activist BN Kumar has escalated the matter to the Prime Minister’s Office, following which the Centre has asked the state government for a detailed explanation. This has prompted the Raigad district administration to begin an inquiry into the matter.
The NGT has now issued notices to the Raigad District Collector and the Directorate of Geology & Mining, seeking comprehensive responses before the December 5 hearing. Meanwhile, NatConnect has filed a fresh RTI seeking updates to ensure no unapproved activity continues unchecked.

Original source: in