Mumbai: Several farmers, along with activist Bhavesh Karekar—an engineer-turned-agriculturist—who have been fighting against illegal mining in Mandivali village in Dapoli, marched to Vidhan Bhawan on Thursday amid the Maharashtra Budget Session.
They were protesting against the illegal mining that continues in their village despite a stay order on the mining process issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). The farmers expressed hope that their concerns would finally be addressed now that they had taken the issue to the heart of the state.
Karekar, who led the peaceful agitation, told The Free Press Journal, “Our village was known for an established mining project. However, permission for mining was granted only for barren land, without affecting the green belt. But the company that entered our village allegedly started clearing the green belt and initiating the mining process. Hence, we filed a case with the MPCB and later with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against the illegal mining.”
Following this, a public hearing was conducted by the MPCB on October 18. However, it was adjourned due to opposition from farmers. Despite this, and without receiving any final orders from the MPCB, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF) still granted environmental clearance, said Karekar.
Karekar further displayed several photographs showing the lush greenery in the region. As per government regulations, only barren land can be used for mining. However, the permission report falsely claims that the land chosen for mining has no green belt and that no trees would need to be cut. In reality, mining companies have already started felling trees.
“We had protested on August 15 last year against the same issue of illegal mining. At that time, we were assured that there would be no disruption to the law and order in Mandivali village. However, even after that assurance, hooliganism continues,” added Karekar.
Meanwhile, protesting farmers raised concerns about the pollution of underground water due to mining, which has made it difficult for locals to access clean drinking water.
A woman farmer said, “There are continuous dumpers passing through our village, polluting the environment. At least 50 dumpers flood our village daily, commuting via the Mandivali bridge. If the bridge collapses, how will we travel to the other side of the river and earn our livelihood? As of now, dogs and hens have already been run over by these heavy vehicles. It wouldn’t be surprising if tomorrow, one of us becomes a victim.”
Farmer Krushna Nimbre (65) said, “For months, we have been struggling to get clean air and water in our village. Despite reaching out to several local authorities, no action has been taken. That is why we finally decided to march to Mumbai to stage a peaceful yet determined protest. We have come here with the hope that someone will listen to us and help us reclaim our right to a peaceful life.”
