Chain hunger strike by Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti on Maharashtra Day

Due to administrative apathy, Chiplun is heading towards becoming a ‘scrap city’ instead of a ‘smart city’ !
Strong protest against administrative negligence regarding illegal scrap businesses !
(‘Smart city’ refers to a city equipped with modern facilities, whereas ‘scrap city’ refers to a neglected and degraded city)

Representatives of Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti — Anurag Utekar, Dr Hemant Chalke and others — while holding discussions with Mrs Rupali Dandekar and Mr Nihar Kovale

Chiplun, Maharashtra, 2 May – The illegal scrap businesses flourishing in the city of Chiplun and the surrounding rural areas are proving dangerous not only to the environment but also to the health and lives of citizens. However, despite being declared ‘illegal’ in official surveys, the administrative authorities have shown zero willpower to take action against them. To protest this serious apathy, the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti organised a chain hunger strike on 1 May, Maharashtra Day.

Negligent functioning of the administration!

Survey conducted, but no action! In April 2024, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board conducted a survey and clearly identified many scrap businesses as illegal; yet, neither the Municipal Council nor the Pollution Control Board has taken any concrete action.
Officials say, “We don’t have time !” : After persistent follow-up by the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti, the Sub-Divisional Officer gave a highly irresponsible response, stating, “We remain busy throughout the year; action will not be taken just because you demand it.”
Ignorance of the law or deliberate delay? The Chief Officer of the Municipal Council has expressed helplessness, saying, “Tell us under which law action should be taken,” while the Pollution Control Board continues to cite a shortage of staff as its routine excuse.
Due to such inaction, illegal scrap operators have developed a sense that “no one can touch us.” The Samiti has angrily questioned whether the administration intends to turn Chiplun into a ‘scrap city’ through such delays.

Warning of intensified agitation ahead!

Despite repeated follow-ups with the District Collector, Sub-Divisional Officer, and Chief Officer over the past four months, only superficial and paperwork-driven responses have been given. Angered by this approach, the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti has made it clear that it will now resort to stronger and more intense forms of agitation through legal means, rather than merely submitting memorandums.

Today’s chain hunger strike was organised by Anurag Utekar, Rajesh Otari, Ajinkya Otari, Aditya Joshi, Chairman Nihar Kovale, Dr Hemant Chalke, Vilas Ingawale, Prashant Utekar, Ashish Athawale and other activists. Hundreds of citizens participated, including Vice-President of the Municipal Council Mrs Rupali Dandekar, BJP city president Shashikant Modi, VHP district minister Dhananjay Chitale, Pramod Patwardhan, Parag Oak, noted businessman Umesh Katkar, BJP district treasurer Ashish Khatu, Umesh Mahadik of Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar, Abhay Juvle of Govalkot Raje Pratishthan, cow protector Vikram Joshi, Mahendra Chalke of Sanatan Sanstha, Pandhari Chavan of Hanuman Prasadic Mandal, Vasudev Shinde from Pimpali Khurd, industrialist Amit Joshi, Mr Durgaprasad Mirgal, Nikhila Praveenchand Ratava and many others, who expressed strong protest against the irresponsible attitude of administrative authorities.

On this occasion, corporator Shashikant Modi assured that he would take the initiative to resolve the issue. Vice-President Nikhila Praveenchand Ratava and Nihar Kovale stated that they would seriously pursue the matter with the Chief Officer. Municipal President Umesh Sakpal also visited the protest site and said, “I stand with you in this fight and will do whatever is legally possible.”