MRF shed built under CSR opened at Bhati-Sanguem

Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phaldesai, former MLA Vasudev Meng Gaonkar, Sarpanch Chandrakant Gaonkar, Deputy Sarpanch Priyanka Gaonkar, General Manager of Chowgule Company Sanjay Chakraborty and others at the inauguration of the Sanguem-Bhati Gram

SANGUEM

The newly constructed Material Recovery Facility (MRF) shed for Bhati Gram Panchayat, built under the CSR initiative of Chowgule & Co. Pvt. Ltd., was inaugurated recently by Sanguem MLA and Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phaldesai. Former MLA Vasudev Meng Gaonkar, Sarpanch Chandrakant Gaonkar, Dy. Sarpanch Priyanka Gaonkar, and Chowgule Company General Manager Sanjay Chakraborty were present at the ceremony.

Panchayat members Vijendra Velip, Sunaina Karpe, Ashwini Gaonkar, Umesh Naik, company officials Durgesh Shisane, Jayesh Bandodkar, and Panchayat Secretary Karmali also attended the event.

Project Finally Completed 

After Legal Hurdles

Construction of an MRF shed had been a long-pending requirement for Bhati Gram Panchayat, with the matter sub judice since 2007. Over the past few years, the issue came up repeatedly before the court, which had mandated the panchayat to set up a permanent waste-management facility as per law.

Failure to build the shed within the stipulated period resulted in the High Court imposing restrictions on the panchayat, including a ban on issuing certificates, halting development works, and ordering a Rs 5 lakh deposit for non-compliance. Despite several extensions, the panchayat failed to construct the facility, prompting the Bombay High Court to confiscate the Rs 5 lakh deposit and issue contempt notices to the Sarpanch and Panchayat Secretary.

The panchayat struggled to find suitable land, as the village falls within the eco-sensitive zone of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, making land acquisition particularly challenging.

CSR Collaboration Made 

Project Possible

Minister Phaldesai approached the management of Chowgule & Co. with a proposal to fund and construct the shed. After obtaining mandatory clearances from the State Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee and forest authorities, the company completed the construction of the MRF.

Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Phaldesai highlighted the complex process: “The High Court, while hearing a suo-motu petition, had directed the panchayat to build a permanent MRF. Despite efforts, land availability was a major hurdle. With support from Chowgule company and after navigating several challenges, the shed has finally been completed,” he said.

He added that ongoing discussions to declare the area a Tiger Reserve could further trouble local residents, stating he would strongly oppose the move, saying, “We should not put people through hardship for an unseen tiger.”

With the MRF now in place, all court-imposed restrictions on the panchayat stand lifted. The minister urged villagers to resume development activities at full pace.

Sarpanch Chandrakant Gaonkar shared that the panchayat had earlier paid a fine of Rs70,000, and minister Phaldesai later contributed the required Rs 5 lakh.

“We are grateful to the Chowgule company. For two and a half years, all development work was stalled. Now we can move ahead with new projects,” he said.

Former MLA Vasudev Gaonkar remarked that a major problem for the panchayat had finally been resolved and urged villagers to remain alert about issues that may pose future threats.

Chowgule company representative Sanjay Chakraborty commended Minister Phaldesai’s persistent efforts and cooperation in completing the project.

Prasad Tilve compered the programme and delivered the vote of thanks.