Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed authorities to conduct a seven-day investigation into alleged illegal excavation, blasting, and construction activities linked to housing projects associated with Godrej Properties and Bhagwati Vihaan in Kharghar under the jurisdiction of the Panvel Municipal Corporation.
The minister ordered a joint inquiry after complaints were raised regarding unauthorised excavation of minor minerals and alleged violations of environmental and construction regulations in Sector 5 and Sector 10 of Kharghar. Authorities have been instructed to submit a factual report within a week following a detailed investigation.
The matter gained attention after allegations made by Vikrant Patil, who claimed that large-scale excavation and blasting operations were being carried out without mandatory approvals in CIDCO’s Kharghar node. He also alleged that heavy dumper movement linked to the projects had earlier resulted in the death of a youth in Sector 5. According to the complaint, residents have also raised concerns over dust pollution, blasting vibrations and deteriorating air quality in the area.
During a review meeting held at Mantralaya, Bawankule reportedly stated that violations under the guise of development projects would not be tolerated. He directed the CIDCO, Revenue Department, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and police authorities to jointly investigate the allegations and identify accountability if any violations are established.
Senior officials including the Raigad Collector, CIDCO representatives, the Panvel Municipal Commissioner, Regional Transport Office officials, Pollution Control Board representatives and Kharghar Police officials participated in the review meeting through video conferencing.
“Endangering citizens’ lives and flouting rules in the name of development will not be tolerated. Authorities have been directed to conduct a sensitive and thorough probe and submit a report within seven days,” Bawankule said.
The inquiry is expected to examine excavation permissions, blasting activities, environmental compliance and safety concerns linked to the projects.
Source: The Free Press Journal
