PONDA: Debunking PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar who claimed that only a few people in Undir ward of Bhandora opposed construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) in the locality, the residents came out on street in strength on Sunday to protest construction of STP in their ward.
Protesting under the banner of Undir Paryavaran Surakshan Manch, the villagers said that the entire residents of Undir ward were united against the construction of STP, as they would have to bear the stench from the plant ones it goes into operation.
Local Panch Bhaskar Naik and local activist Guru Naik, who are spearheading the agitation, said that on Sunday every resident of Undir ward had come out on street to demonstrate their opposition to STP.
Bhaskar informed that the Undir villagers also prayed to their deities Marudev, Nagesh, Mahalaxmi and Katamgal Dada at Farmagudi for blessings and support in their fight against the construction of STP.
Guru Naik said that the villagers would do everything possible to shift the project out of Undir even as he clarified that the villagers were not against the STP, but it should not be built in residential area.
Claiming that earlier the PWD minister had promised to shift the plant from Undir, Guru Naik regretted that Sudin has gone back on his promise.
He said that the panchayat recently gave construction licence for the STP at Undir by ignoring the gram sabha resolution opposing STP in Survey Number 119.
“This construction licence is against the wishes of the villagers, hence, is illegal and it has been challenged before the Director of Panchayat; its hearing is scheduled on November 27,” he said adding that the villagers would also challenge the STP before the National Green Tribunal.
