PERNEM
Kurbani Lok Manch Organisation has threatened to agitate if the government fails to clear the road leading to a crematorium at Kurbanwada-Chopdem.
In a memorandum submitted to the Pernem Mamlatdar, the organisation members stated that an investment company had blocked their access by constructing a compound wall.
According to information, the Dalit community of Chopdem has been using the traditional crematorium situated behind their residential area. However, this place has been taken over by an investment company, which has started to construct a complex in the area.
The Kurbani Lok Manch Organisation members have accused the company of misusing the license issued by the local panchayat to construct the compound wall.
The company has also blocked the road proceeding towards the crematorium by constructing a compound wall, they complained.
Incidentally, the issue was also raised at the recent Chopdem gram sabha.
“If the company does not clear the road proceeding towards the crematorium, the matter will be taken to the court,” warned an organisation member.
The members further alleged that the company has filled up the nullhas, through which water flows from the hills, towards Chapora and also the PWD gutter.
It may be recalled that Sarpanch Shashikala Damaji along with Deputy Sarpanch Eknath Chodankar had excavated the drainage, and the workers were later detained by the police.
When contacted, the manager of the investment company said that the company was ready to contribute to the crematorium.
“A site map has been submitted to the Pernem deputy collector and the process of completing all the formalities and terms regarding construction has commenced,” said the manager.
Meanwhile, Kurbani Lok Manch Organisation president Nitin Chopdekar said locals are not yet taken into confidence by the company which is providing the crematorium.
“A huge compound wall was built in the land before solving the queries of the locals. If the government fails to give justice to us within eight days, we will agitate in the matter,” warned Chopdekar.
