‘Rampant dumping a threat to Ramnadi’

Owing to dumping of debris and construction material on the banks of Ramnadi,near Bavdhan,residents of the surrounding areas formed a human chain on the bank to protest against it. After the flash floods in the area last year,residents are scared that dumping may harm the river ecosystem. Sarang Yadwadkar,an activist and member of Save Ramnadi Samiti said,“The Ramnadi is in danger because of the dumping. We visited the site yesterday and excavated debris that had been dumped into the river. In view of flash floods last year,there is an immediate need for industries to put an end to the dumping.”

Sanjay Bhosle,another member of the human chain said,“There have been encroachments on the banks of the river. A few industries are constructing water treatment plants there while dumping the waste into the water. After we pointed it out,dumping has been stopped but debris have not yet been cleared. It was just to bring to the notice of the authorities that residents of the area formed a human chain today. We have asked for time till Monday. If the debris are not cleared by then,we will take further action.”

Another resident,Bindu Gupta said,“There is a need to take immediate action against this. Last year,the floods were caused because of drastic reduction in water carrying capacity of Ramnadi due to rampant unplanned and unauthorised construction activity,besides dumping of soil and debris,thus abusing the river basin. We do not want a repeat of whatever happened last year. Thus,we ask the government to take necessary action and save the river and us from further damage.”