Thane civic body seals seven spice mills in crack down against noise pollution

Taking note of the complaints from residents, TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao directed officials to inspect the mills and take action, the officials said. Pic/TMC

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Maharashtra has launched a crack down against businesses leading to noise pollution in the district and has sealed as many as seven spice mills in Mahatma Phule Market alone, the officials said on Friday.

According to an official statement issued by the TMC, it sealed seven spice mills located in the Mahatma Phule Market, following complaints from local residents and market members about excessive noise pollution.

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It said that the locals reported that large machinery used in these mills was generating noise levels of up to 100 decibels, causing serious disturbance in the surrounding area.

"Taking note of the complaints, TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao directed officials to inspect the mills and take action," the officials said.

They said that acting on the orders, a team led by Zonal Deputy Commissioner Shankar Patole, Chief Environmental Officer Manisha Pradhan, Assistant Commissioner of Estate Department Rajesh Sonawane, and Assistant Commissioner of Naupada Ward Sopan Bhaik conducted a site inspection.

The statement said that the officials found that the heavy-duty equipment in use was not suitable for a market area and should instead be located in an industrial zone.

A noise pollution notice had already been issued to these mills in March 2025, but operations continued despite the warning. Due to the failure to comply with noise regulations, all seven mills were sealed to protect public health, the officials said.

Last month, in a crack down against illegal banners and posters in Thane district, the TMC had launched special drive to remove unauthorised posters, banners, and hoardings across the city, the officials had earlier said.

They said that a total of hundreds of illegal flex boards and hoardings were removed during the special drive.

The campaign was carried out under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, an official had said.

"The anti-encroachment department, along with all ward offices, were working together to clean up the public spaces," a senior TMC official had earlier said.

The special drive is mainly focused on illegal banners fixed on electric poles, trees, road dividers, and pavements, all of which contribute to visual pollution in the city, he had said.

The officials had stated that such hoardings not only spoil the city's appearance but can also cause accidents during storms or strong winds.