Residents claim that the over 150-acre Corporate Park in Kharghar’s Sector 34, which had been cleared of garbage and nuisances before serving as the venue for the Maharashtra Bhushan awards ceremony, has returned to its beforehand state with heavy deposition of trash and encroachments.
Residents of the nearby high-rise buildings have recorded numerous recordings showing the plot’s constant movement of cars carrying rubbish.
The mafia that dumps debris has established Kharghar as a hub. There is nothing being done by the planning authority, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), or the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) to stop the accumulation of debris on every vacant plot in the node. There was extensive cleanup done here before Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit for the Maharashtra Bhushan awards ceremony on April 16, but less than a month after the event, things are back to normal, according to a local.
The locals intended to use the space for recreation following the event, but they are furious due to the unlawful activities nearby. The brazenness with which the actions are carried out in the absence of intervention from the civic agencies has surprised them. The area has become unsafe for locals due to the emergence of illegal stores and food stands.
“My flat faces the park side and every day I can see the number of vehicles dumping debris has increased drastically. These debris are now towering at over 8 ft height, which is more than an average person’s height. In fact, on numerous occasions, I have seen these trucks being guided by a person to the exact spot where the debris is to be dumped,” according to Divya Abroal, a different local.
The activities are now even reaching the park’s entrance road. Abroal added that after the plot was cleaned, the residential societies were thrilled and thought it was perfect for walking and perhaps even holding some kid-friendly events. However, because of the unlawful colonies, even visiting the area has become risky.
Sector 35D of the node has seen the emergence of such problems. Concerning the flagrant exploitation of unoccupied site no. 56 in the sector, complaints have been made to CIDCO. Due to illegal habitation and debris disposal on a vacant plot located in a residential area, the people are the target of severe harassment. The residents of the unlawful shanties argue often, and the land has turned into a prime location for unauthorised stone-crushing operations. People also have to contend with ongoing noise pollution, according to a resident of Krishna Majesty Cooperative Housing Society. The member received threats from the residents of the shanties for filing complaints with CIDCO.
According to the locals, CIDCO needs to develop a plan of action to eliminate the threat. In the month of March, there was an effort to have these shanties removed, but it was ineffective because the illegal operations quickly resumed afterwards. The member continues saying that the shanties are acting as a perfect screen for the unlawful stone-crushing operation.
Priya Ratambe, the CIDCO’s head PRO, responded when contacted via phone that she will tell the appropriate authorities.