40 years on, Panvel villagers still await basic amenities

PANVEL: Four decades after the City and Industrial Development Corporation developed nodes after acquiring land in Panvel taluka, the planning agency is yet to provide basic amenities for those living in the gaothan areas, complain villagers.

According to the locals, when Cidco had acquired land from the villagers at a low rate to develop residential colonies in New Panvel, Khanda Colony, Kalamboli, Kamothe, Kharghar, Roadpali, Taloja, Navade, Karanjade, Wadghar, Ulwe and Drongiri, it had assured them of a host of civic amenities including roads, water facility, gardens, toilets and even gutters.

Decades down the line, several high-rises have come up on the project-affected people’s (PAP) land, but even after repeated meetings and follow- ups with Cidco officials, nothing has been done to better their living conditions, said the locals.

Adai is one such neglected village. According to sarpanch Rupali Shelke, “The village panchayat has sought funds from Cidco to renovate ponds and to build roads and drainage facilities in the village. But the planning agency is yet to allocate the funds to the gram panchayat.”

“Despite assurance, Cidco has not yet fulfilled our demands,” said Shelke.

The condition of Kalamboli village is no different. “We have sent a proposal to Cidco seeking funds to build a drainage facility, roads and drainage system in the gram panchayat area, but no action has been taken,” said village sarpanch Vijay Khanavakar.

Members of Taloja Pachnand gram panchayat too expressed disappointment over Cidco’s alleged negligent attitude towards providing basic amenities in their area.

Cidco’s chief engineer Sanjay Choudhari, however, said, “We have given priority to ensure the basic amenities in PAP villages are provided. We have taken pos- itive action on the development work proposals sent by the gram panchayats.”

“We conducted a survey of the gaothan areas to take stock of civic amenities. Civic works have started in villages that are deprived of such facilities.”