VALPOI
Locals in Sattari on Monday vehemently opposed any moves to include villages in the taluka as Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESA) as it would greatly affect any development in the taluka.
They put forth their views before a committee appointed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to deliberate with the government and stakeholders in the matter.
A large number of people from different parts of Sattari were present at the consultative meet, which was attended by Poriem MLA Deviya Rane, sarpanchas, panchas, Chairman of the Committee Sanjay Kumar, Dr S C Gargoti, Dr Hitedra Padiyala, Dr Ritesh Joshi, W Bharat Singh, R P Singh, P K Gajbhaiya, Dr S Kerkatti and Dr Sukumar Singh.
The locals said they have been demanding the de-notification of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary ever since it was notified 24 years ago, on grounds that it has affected the lives and livelihoods of people in the taluka.
The Committee Chairman Sanjay Kumar said while it is equally important to preserve the environment for future generations, development is equally important. He assured that the sentiments of the people would be taken into consideration
Poriem MLA Deviya Rane said Sattari taluka has a natural forest cover and many people have been depending on forest produce for their livelihood. She said any attempts to include villages in the Eco-Sensitive Areas would have a serious impact on the livelihood of people in Sattari.
Rane requested the central committee not to include Sattari villages as ESAs.
Harishchandra Gawas, President of Bhumiputra Sangathan, said the people of Sattari taluka have endured many hardships for 24 years following the notification of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
He warned that people of Sattari taluka would oppose the inclusion of villages in ESAs.
Sarpanch Uday Singh Rane said people of Sattari taluka wanted development and would not tolerate anything that would come in the way of development.
B D Mote, leader of the Dhangar community, spoke on how this proposal could cause adverse effects on the development of Sattari taluka.
