PONDA: Water Resources Department (WRD) has initiated work on the controversial Rs 88 crore Murdi-Sonarbag bandhara drinking water project which is being opposed by the locals due to fears of flooding. The bandhara project proposal consists of constructing five pillars of five meters height.
WRD Official Shailesh Naik, confirmed that the project has successfully received the requisite permissions and also passed the public hearing hurdle. However, locals have expressed discontent and alleged that they have been kept in the dark regarding potential flooding concerns. The locals assert that during the WRD’s public hearing sessions, officials failed to adequately elucidate the project’s benefits and drawbacks to the community. Notably, the majority of those potentially affected by the project belong to Scheduled Tribes, who are now demanding a thorough investigation by the Scheduled Tribes Commission into the matter.
Curti-Khandepar panchayat member Abhijeet Gaude, disclosed that the Panchayat had already passed a resolution opposing the project and had revoked the No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to it. Gaude further highlighted the failure of authorities to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and address concerns related to potential flooding.
As per the locals, approximately 80 households could face displacement due to flooding, with fears that the construction of the bandhara might exacerbate the situation. The villagers anticipate that the government would evacuate them in the event of floods due to the bandhara.
Recalling the major floods experienced in 2021, residents not only from Murdi but also from the opposite end of the proposed bandhara in Sonarbag Usgao have joined the chorus of condemnation against the imposition of Section 144. The locals are resolute in their determination to challenge the project, pledging to unite against its implementation. They are currently deliberating on strategies and decisions to mount an effective opposition to the bandhara project.
The bandhara’s construction is set to commence from Murdi and is projected to span a two-year time frame.
