Team Herald
PONDA: Locals in Curti Khandepar have voiced concerns as new scrapyards crop up in their area, posing a risk to nearby residential areas.
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A fire broke out at one such scrapyard near a residential locality, but prompt action from the Ponda fire personnel prevented the situation from escalating. This has intensified concerns among locals, who have demanded swift and decisive action from the Curti-Khandepar panchayat.
In 2019, following a series of complaints and persistent follow-ups, the Panchayat successfully demolished eight scrapyards. However, three others managed to secure a stay order, with a verdict still pending. Despite these efforts, locals are alarmed by the re-emergence of both large and small scrapyards—approximately ten in total—across the area.
Expressing his frustration over the recurring threat, local resident Sandeep Parkar said, “The scrap yard that caught fire recently had been demolished earlier, but it has resurfaced at the same location. The authorities need to act immediately to prevent such incidents.”
The residents recalled a major fire incident three years ago on the Dhavali-Farmagudi highway caused by a scrap yard blaze. Parkar pointed out that Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) had recently resolved to clear all scrap yards within its jurisdiction, without waiting for citizens to complain.
“The Curti-Khandepar Panchayat must follow PMC’s example and act against the illegal scrap yards before another disaster occurs,” he urged.
Curti-Khandepar Sarpanch Abhijit Gaude acknowledged the gravity of the situation and promised action. “Illegal scrap yards are not contributing a single rupee to the panchayat’s revenue and are putting the public at risk. Recently, a fire incident brought the issue to the forefront again. There are eight illegal scrap yards and the panchayat is gearing up to clear them to ensure residents’ safety,” Gaude said.
He said that the panchayat had conducted inspections to identify these scrap yards for demolition. “The cases of three scrap yards are sub judice with the Director of Panchayats and we are awaiting the verdict. However, we are determined to address the issue of all illegal scrap yards to ensure public safety,” he added.
