Tue Oct 08 21:45:46 UTC 2024: ## Residents of Mahim, Palghar, Oppose Reliance’s Proposed Textile Project, Threaten Mass Protests
**Palghar:** The proposed Reliance Industries textile project in Mahim Tokraale, Palghar taluka, has sparked outrage among local residents who fear severe environmental damage. The villagers have vowed to launch a massive protest on October 8th against the project and the government’s approval.
The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has acquired 880 acres of land through “pass-through” methods for Reliance’s project. This land will be transferred to the company in exchange for other land. The project has drawn significant attention from the state government, with officials working diligently from the ministerial level down to the Palghar Collectorate.
The land in question, survey numbers 835 (62.98 acres) and 836 (117.83 acres), was initially requested by local farmers through the “Bahuodedeshi Saamudaayik Sheti Sanstha” (Multipurpose Community Agriculture Institution). While the request was approved, the matter is currently pending due to a case in the High Court. The government’s earlier attempt to establish an ONGC bottling plant on this land was met with intense opposition from residents, ultimately leading to its cancellation.
The villagers fear the textile project will have severe consequences for farmers, fishermen, and the tourism industry in the region. The treated wastewater from the project poses a serious threat to the environment, while air pollution from the facility could severely impact the ecologically sensitive Kelva Mahim region. The project involves the use of chemical processes for producing yarn, further raising concerns about environmental damage.
Recognizing the potential for ecological devastation, the residents of Mahim and Kelva have united to oppose the project, citing the detrimental impact it will have on the future of their communities. Both gram panchayats are actively engaging in awareness campaigns to garner support for their protests.
The residents have pointed out the irony of the government’s decision to allocate land for the project, given that Kelva has been designated as a development center under the government’s tourism development policy.
If the government fails to reconsider its decision, the villagers have threatened to escalate their protests during the upcoming state assembly elections.
A meeting was held to discuss the opposition to the Reliance project, attended by prominent citizens, organizations, fishermen associations, cooperative societies, gram panchayat members, and residents from both villages. The Mahim Gram Panchayat has issued a stern warning to the district collector, demanding the immediate halting of the land transfer process for the project, threatening further action in the form of widespread protests if their demands are ignored.
During the process of measuring the land allocated for the project, officials from the revenue department and the talathi (village accountant) were confronted by residents for failing to consult with the Gram Panchayat and local landholders. The residents expressed their anger and disappointment over the lack of transparency in the process.
The residents of Mahim are determined to fight against this project, which they believe will have devastating consequences for their livelihoods and the environment. Their fight highlights the growing concern over the impact of industrial development on rural communities and the need for sustainable development practices.
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