Bethora locals demand probe into scrap yards issue

PONDA: The issue of scrap yards and waste management sparked off a heated debate at a gram sabha of Bethora-Nirancal-Conxem-Codar panchayat, as members demanded a thorough probe into the matter on Sunday.
The meeting chaired by sarpanch Poonam Samant evoked demands from some villagers to entrust the investigation into the whole issue of scrap yards to a government agency, as they alleged it smacked of corruption.More than 25 scrap yards have been set up in the area and the maximum brunt is felt by Ashewada residents.
A resolution tabled by former sarpanch, Baburao Salelkar was adopted unanimously. The members also opposed the use of a landfill site in Bondbhag, which is partly in Ponda municipal area, as it created unhygienic conditions for local residents.
Officials and a representative of Ponda municipal council attended the meeting to explain certain issues to the villagers. But they demanded that the site be cleared first before being utilized again.