NT NETWORK
PONDA
The issue of sewage treatment plant (STP) proposed at Unir-Bandora yet again rocked the gram sabha of Bandora panchayat on Sunday wherein the locals alleged that the entire process of the STP started by the government was illegal and demanded ‘closure’ of the project as early as possible.
Based on the demand of the villagers, the panchayat resolved to convey the entire discussion regarding the STP to the chief minister, PWD minister and other concerned departments in writing.
Locals from Unir argued that the land under the survey number mentioned for STP plant is a tenanted land and comes under eco-sensitive area, which cannot be acquired or sold to others than the tenants.
Secondly, they said, the project is proposed in the vicinity of the residential area and, hence, it will totally affect the people. The plant should be setup 3 kilometre away from any residential area as per guidelines and that it is being planned without taking the villagers into confidence, stated Bandora locals.
Bandora villagers claimed that the entire process of the government regarding the STP at Unir was illegal and demanded its withdrawal. The locals also demanded chief minister’s intervention in the proposed project.
Further during the discussion, the locals demanded shifting of the STP out of Bandora village and a resolution in that regard was passed unanimously. However, a local objected to the process of passing the resolution and demanded voting. But other members present for the gram sabha opposed the voting process. Following which, the demand for shifting of STP out of Bandora was kept pending for discussion at ward level and now the villagers of each ward will decide whether they want the STP in their area or not, informed secretary Kushali Halarnkar.
It may be recalled that Unir locals are opposing the STP plant since last one year, as panchayat had allegedly not taken the villagers into confidence before issuing the NOC for the project.
Later, following villagers’ agitation demanding revocation of the NOC given for the project, the NOC was revoked. The locals also stopped the pipeline-laying work and demanded that they be informed about the
exact location of the project.
Some days back PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar made a statement saying that the STP plant in Bandora will come up in Unir area only and it will be completed within one year. Following which, the survey number showing the exact location of the plant was made public by the panchayat.
Bandora locals also opposed moves as regards a petroleum outlet and bulk storage facility at Farmagudi and passed a resolution not to give NOC to the project.
They expressed fear regarding the danger it poses. The development work, that is to be proposed in the village, was also discussed.
The gram sabha was presided over by the sarpanch Ramchandra Naik and monitored by secretary Kushali Halarnkar. Alongwith them, other panch members were also present for the gram sabha.