PERNEM
Residents around Dhargal Industrial Estate, which is located near residential areas, are complaining about dust and smoke pollution allegedly emanating from an illegal cement plant. The issue has been primarily flagged by the local women.
The residents claim the surrounding air has become polluted and have joined forces to raise their concerns with the Dhargal Village Panchayat. To their surprise, they were informed that the plant lacked any operating permission from the Panchayat, despite being active.
A meeting was held with the Panchayat committee, locals, and the plant owner, with Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar also present. Though the plant was temporarily shut down, it soon resumed operations.
In response, locals lodged a complaint against the polluting unit at the Kasarvane Primary Health Centre. A subsequent joint meeting was convened on Friday, involving Panchayat members, health officials, and the plant owner. The Panchayat expressed their full support for the residents, acknowledging the potential health risks posed by the plant's emissions.
