VALPOI
Shel-Melauli area in Sattari became prominent after locals launched a massive agitation against the proposed IIT and successfully got the State government to scrap the controversial project in the village.
The locals have now threatened another agitation, this time to demand proper water supply, a proper road and a bridge in the area.
A number of locals marched to the deputy collector’s office and put forth their grievances before the officials.
They claimed that when Sattari taluka was hit by the floods on July 23 and 24, the bridge had collapsed at Paikul and this had also ruptured the pipeline providing water supply to their area.
They have been facing drinking water problems in Shel-Melauli and have been relying only on water tankers for nearly a month.
Locals claimed that water tankers were unable to provide sufficient water supply and when they highlighted their problems at the Valpoi Water Supply office, their grievances were not taken seriously.
A delegation of locals led by local Panch Arjun Melekar, Shankar Naik and Ajit Desai held discussions with Deputy Collector Rajesh Ajgaonkar and Mamlatdar Dashrath Gawas.
The locals requested authorities to reconnect the pipeline and Ajgaonkar assured to look into the matter.
He also informed the locals that he has contacted the Irrigation Department in connection with a new bridge and said the process is underway.
Later speaking to reporters, Ajit Desai blamed authorities for failing to take action to resolve their grievances.
“There is severe water problem in our area. Similarly, there is no proper road and authorities have placed iron planks on the embankment for people to cross, but vehicles are not allowed.”
“At present, the government has provided temporary road access via Bondla, which is a long detour.”
“The government should pay serious attention to our grievances or else, we will block the main Valpoi-Ponda road at Guleli,” warned Desai.
