Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)
Bantwal, Dec 5: A programme to create awareness among villagers about the problems that will be created due to the proposed opening of an auto gas pump in Bogodi Guddeangadi residential area near Melkar was held in front of Bogodi Juma Masjid after Juma Namaz on Friday.
Guddeangadi Auto Gas Pump Virodhi Horata Samiti office-bearers said that there are several conditions for opening an auto gas pump. “There is a rule that permission to open a gas pump in a residential area should not be given at any cost. But officials have permitted it to open causing anxiety among local people.”
“Tamil Nadu based Ten Pandian auto gas company is opening an auto gas pump in the land belonging to Kalladka resident Abdulla at Bogodi Guddeangadi, Melkar-Mudipu road. There are several houses nearby. The company officials can leave the village if there is a mishap in the future. The government officials who gave permission for it will get transferred. Where should the victims of the catastrophe go?” they warned.
“Nobody knew that the gas pump would be opened here in the beginning. The villagers joined and formed Auto Gas Pump Nirmana Virodhi Horata Samiti on coming to know about it. When they went to the officials they said that they do not know anything about it. When details were sought under the Right to Information Act, all the officials had signed and given permission. Corruption is suspected here,” alleged the local people.
“A letter stating that there is no objection from the local people for construction of a gas pump has been issued. But the locals did not even know that the pump was going to be opened here. All the people in the village are against opening the pump here at present. The officials have prepared a false report that officials have conducted a survey and issued a no-objection letter. The actions have raised several suspicions,” alleged the office bearers.
“We have requested the concerned officials to prevent the gas pump works. But they have not stopped. The villagers will join together and resort to violent protests if the work does not stop on Monday,” they warned.
Razaq Bogodi, Shihab Bogodi, Hanif, Nasir, Hasainar, Shakir, Moidin, Salman Farish, Rizwan, Shanawaz, Safwan, Anees, village elders and youths were present.