Team Herald
PONDA: Following complaints by the locals, the Curti-Khandepar Panchayat members led by sarpanch Abhijeet Gaude inspected seven illegal scrapyards and after the inspection it was decided to demolish them after issuing notices.
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The panchayat members sought support from the government authorities.
After conducting the inspection, the sarpanch said that the panchayat will initiate action against the illegal scrapyards as some have been found operating without fire safety equipment, posing risk to the locals while the others lack toilet facilities.
Panch member Harish Naik said, “Whenever the panchayat decides to initiate action to demolish illegal scrap yards, some of the owners challenge the panchayat decision and manage to obtain a stay.”
He said, “Government extend its support to clear these scrap yards without any stay from authorities. After getting a stay, the illegal scrap yards continue to operate. Since scrap yards pose a risk to locals, the authorities should think before granting a stay. During the stay period, the government should ensure that the scrapyards remain non-functional.
Local social worker Sandeep Parkar said, “In 2019, I filed a complaint against 11 scrapyards following which seven were demolished, while the rest of owners approached the court. Those which were demolished have resurfaced. Considering the recent fire incident at a scrapyard situated in the locality, the panchayat should initiate immediate action.”
