Ahmedabad RMC Plant Policy Deferred Again After 15-Month Exercise; Over 20 Units Still Operating

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has prepared a draft policy to regulate Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants in the city after a 15-month exercise, but the Town Planning (TP) Committee has deferred a decision on the proposal until its next meeting.

The development comes as more than 20 RMC plants are reportedly still operating within city limits, despite earlier directives from the Corporation to relocate such units.

The proposed policy seeks to address concerns linked to dust, air and noise pollution from RMC plants, as well as traffic and other issues arising from the movement of heavy vehicles.

RMC Operators Seek Seven-Year Licence

During the policy-making process, AMC invited suggestions from stakeholders, including the RMC plant operators' association.

The association has sought several changes to the proposed regulations. It has opposed permission for on-site RMC plants near residential areas while also seeking permission at specific locations where such plants are required for construction projects.

One of its key demands is a seven-year licence instead of the proposed one-year licence.

According to the association, future changes in zoning or Town Planning schemes could force a plant to relocate, potentially resulting in losses exceeding ₹1 crore. It has therefore sought an assurance that plants would not be required to relocate during the validity of the licence.

The association has also proposed replacing the annual licence fee with a one-time fee of ₹90,000 for seven years. It has further suggested that the proposed ₹5 lakh security deposit be accepted in the form of an interest-bearing fixed deposit.

Demand To Reduce Mandatory Margin

The operators' association has also sought a reduction in the margin space to be maintained around RMC plants.

While the proposed policy suggests a six-metre margin on all four sides, the association has requested that it be reduced to three metres.

It has also argued that the proposed 120-day period for relocating a plant is insufficient.

According to its representation, an RMC plant may incur monthly salary expenses of around ₹25 lakh to ₹30 lakh for nearly 100 employees, apart from bank loan instalments of approximately ₹20 lakh to ₹30 lakh.

The association has argued that shutting down or relocating a plant within 120 days could worsen the financial difficulties of operators.

RMC Plants Sought For Small Construction Projects

The association has also raised concerns about construction projects spread across 3,000 square metres or less, where there may not be sufficient space for an on-site RMC plant.

It has argued that transporting concrete from distant plants could affect concrete quality and slump consistency, and has sought permission for RMC plants within residential zones for small projects, subject to specified conditions.

For large-scale projects, the association has proposed allowing dedicated RMC plants on plots of around 10,000 square metres, located within a 3-4 km radius of the construction site.

Operators Seek GPCB-Based Zoning

The association has further sought permission for RMC plants in industrial or other suitable residential zones, with operations governed by the norms and regulations of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB).

It has argued that adherence to GPCB regulations would help regulate dust, air and noise pollution associated with RMC operations.

With the TP Committee deferring the proposal once again, there is currently no clarity on when the new policy governing RMC plants in Ahmedabad will come into force.