Vasai residents successfully opposed dumping ground proposal

In Vasai, about 9,000 residents protested against plans for a dumping ground and a sewage treatment plant. Their efforts led the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) to withdraw its proposal to relocate the dumping ground to their village. The protest started after a local activist found a notice in a Marathi newspaper about the municipality's plans to move the dumping site from Agarwal Nagar to a 1,500-acre area in Gaas village. The idea has been on the table for 18 years, but the community's opposition has always been strong. Many villagers expressed their anger when they learned about the notice, which they believe was published to avoid public attention. Over two days, the residents rallied support and submitted more than 2,500 objections to the proposal. They highlighted that the land intended for the dumping ground is crucial for local agriculture and community events. Residents argued that placing such facilities in their mostly rural area would harm their health and environment. The VVCMC had previously cleared 41 unauthorized buildings in Agarwal Nagar. They aimed to use the freed-up land for new development, which created concern among villagers about the impact of the dumping ground on future growth. Municipal Commissioner Anil Kumar Pawar acknowledged that the decision to relocate the site was based on projected population growth. However, residents are still wary and demand a formal commitment from the municipality that the plans are truly set aside.