Tue Oct 08 21:54:00 UTC 2024: ## Local Residents and Panchayat Oppose Textile Park Construction in Palghar, Maharashtra
**Palghar, Maharashtra:** A growing movement of protest is brewing against the construction of a textile park in Mahim and Tokrale villages of Palghar taluka. The proposed 800-acre park, planned by a private company on land currently under the control of the Revenue Department, has met with strong opposition from locals, including the Mahim Gram Panchayat.
A recent meeting, chaired by Mahim Sarpanch Preeti Patil, saw a multitude of local figures voicing their concerns, including representatives from the Mahim Cooperative Society, the Adivasi Ekta Parishad, and various other organizations. The opposition stems from a range of concerns:
* **Environmental Concerns:** The proposed park is expected to involve the use of petroleum for yarn production, leading to concerns of increased air and water pollution. Residents cite the existing pollution from a company in the Bidco area as evidence of the potential environmental damage.
* **Lack of Transparency:** Locals claim that the Revenue Department officials and Talathi (village accountant) have not involved the gram panchayat or landholders in the process of surveying the proposed site for the park.
* **Threat to the Environment:** The proposed park’s discharge of wastewater into the sea through the creek is seen as a potential threat to the ecologically sensitive Kelva-Mahim region, known for its natural beauty and tourism potential.
* **Displacement of Locals:** Concerns have been raised regarding the displacement of local residents, particularly those affected by other development projects like the Coastal Road, Bullet Train, and Murbe Jetty. The protesters demand that the land be allocated to displaced individuals and landless people in the area.
* **Impact on Tourism:** The Kelva-Mahim area is included in the 13 tourism development centers announced by the Central Government along the coastal region from Gujarat to Goa. The proposed park is seen as a detrimental threat to this burgeoning tourism industry.
To solidify their opposition, residents have launched a mass awareness campaign across Kelva, Mahim, and Kelva Road. They intend to engage with political leaders, including those in power and the opposition, to gain support for their cause. The protesters are determined to bring this issue to the forefront before the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect and will continue to fight this project at administrative, political, and legal levels.
First Piper 