PONDA: Bandora gram sabha on Sunday witnessed uproar as the locals questioned the “legality” of the four Sanatan Sanstha buildings at Ramnathi by expanding its ashram.
They alleged that the panchayat did not charge the Sanstha house tax for past 17 years since the construction of the first building.
The locals charged that the sanstha by using the same permission has cut the hill and the road construction work is underway, which is a threat to village environment.
The locals were surprised when they learnt from the panchayat that based on 2004 TCP permission for hill cutting, Sanstha has been carrying out constructions till date for almost 17 years and that no taxes have been charged for these constructions.
Locals said, “If a common man constructs house he has to pay so many taxes then how Sanatan is exempted by the panchayat from paying taxes which amount to lakhs of rupees for the past 17 years.”
The issue was discussed for nearly two hours with the locals insisting that the panchayat clarify whether the buildings are legal or illegal. They claimed that the four buildings are illegal and demanded a probe by the panchayat and sought action under Section 66 of Panchayat Raj Act.
Locals questioned as to how could the panchayat blindly give permission and construction licence to these buildings.
Sarpanch Rajesh Naik and secretary said, “The plans were approved by the TCP and we are bound to give permissions for such project. The panchayat now will decide to charge taxes for Sanatan buildings as demanded by the gram sabha”.
When questioned whether the sanstha had taken permission for hill cutting, the secretary said, “Sanatan produced the 2004 TCP permission.”
There was uproar with several locals questioning the validity of the 2004 permission.
“If TCP permission for the constructions is valid for three years then how come hill cutting permission is valid for 17 years,” the locals asked.
The secretary said, “When TCP approves any plan then the panchayat has to give permission for the construction licence.”
The sarpanch said, “Recently as soon as locals complained about illegal hill cutting and road construction, the panchayat issued the stop work order to the sanstha. However, Sanatan showed the 2004 TCP permission for hill cutting. Panchayat will act as per provisions of the law.”
The locals further questioned the sarpanch what is the need of the panchayat if TCP is taking decisions.
“Why were occupancy and other NOCs given without charging fees,” they asked and objected to any new constructions of Sanatan or any other religious sanstha or party at Bokadbag. They further threatened to stage an agitation if any permission is granted against their wishes.
They demanded a joint inspection of the Sanatan ashram at Ramnathi by the Deputy Collector, Mamlatdar, Police, Health Department and Panchayat.
They also demanded a special gram sabha on Sanatan issues.
The locals questioned the panchayat whether the sanstha obtained a sanad for their constructions.
On the activities at the Sanstha, the Secretary said as per information provided by Sanstha around 200 people from various parts of country are into spiritual activities.
Not satisfied with the secretary’s reply, they asked, “If it for religious activities then why locals are not allowed.”
The locals demanded deputing police to maintain a vigil on outsiders visiting the Ashram late night.
The locals complained that the parking of vehicles by the side of main road in front of the Ashram poses risk to locals and demanded erecting a “no parking” signboard to which the sarpanch assured to follow up with authorities.
Raju Bandodkar, Guru Naik, Adv Surel Tilve, Dinesh Gaunekar and several others raised questions on Sanatan issues.
It was also resolved to provide water and power connections to farmers (Mallekars) growing vegetables during monsoon. The budget for new financial year was also passed.
