Work on Charvanem dam got stuck after previous governmentfailed to get necessary NOCs from various departments including the key forestdepartment.
But positive vibes from present Chief Minister ManoharParrikar has given fresh lease of life to the project and Charvanem dam couldsoon be a reality.
Welcoming the positive stand of the government, Oppositionleader Pratapsingh Rane, who is also a local MLA said that the dam will be adream come true for the villagers who will benefit from the dam water.
The then state government had taken this project in order todevelop a command area, mainly by agriculture. The project was in Dongurli areain Thane village panchayat.
As per an official source, construction of the dam has stoppedthree years ago for want of NOCs from the forest department.
The then government had started the project in view ofpublic interest by ignoring to obtain necessary NOCs.
But the forest department brought a stay in the constructionof the project. As per a forest official around 496 trees will have to make wayfor the project, which will have harmful effect on the environment.
When queried on the status of the project Arun Naik,Assistant Engineer, DIvn I, Sub Divn V, Water Resources Department clarifiedthat proposal for NOC from wild life sanctuary of forest department had beensubmitted to chief conservator of forest two years back.
“If the forest department acts quickly, the file can then bemoved to Central Board of Wild Life Sanctuary for the NOC,” Naik said.
The present government’s positive stance came when the chiefminister replied to the opposition leader’s query on the floor of the House.“The state government is positive about the project,” CM Manohar Parrikar hadsaid in the assembly.
If the project fructifies then areas like Thane, Hiverem, Pal,Charvane, Golavali, Naneli, Rivem and also some parts of village panchayat ofMauxii and Kopardem stand to benefit.
The ex-chairman of Sattari taluka farmer’s service co-opsociety Fati said “In Thane most of the land is barren due to scarcity ofwater. If this project becomes a reality the whole barren land will get a newlook and agriculture will prosper in the area."
