Ancestors’ Demand for Road in Raigad Hamlets to Finally Become Reality
In a significant development, the century-old tribal hamlets of Karambali Thakurwadi and Kadai Dhangarwada in Maharashtra’s Raigad district are set to finally get the much-awaited road connectivity. This long-standing demand of the residents is on the verge of becoming a reality, thanks to the efforts of the local community and the support of a Mumbai-based landowner, Indira Manek Shah.
The Kharivali Gram Panchayat, under which Karambali Thakurwadi falls, has secured the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Indira Manek Shah, the widow of late Manek Shah, to utilize a portion of her private land for the construction of the road. This crucial step paves the way for connecting these remote hamlets to the outside world and improving the lives of the residents.
The road construction project was facing a roadblock due to approximately 500 meters of private land owned by the late Manek Lakshmidas Shah, who was engaged in land dealing business. With his passing in April 2023, the path for the road construction was obstructed until the recent agreement with Indira Manek Shah. The landowner has also expressed a desire to have the road named after her late husband, a request that is being considered by the local administration.
The plight of the tribals living in these hamlets, especially during the monsoon season, has been a matter of concern. The lack of road connectivity has posed numerous challenges for the residents, impacting their daily lives and access to essential services. However, with the imminent construction of the road, these hardships are expected to be alleviated, bringing a sense of relief and optimism to the villagers.
Residents like Santosh Ghate of Kadai Dhangarwada express gratitude for the impending road connectivity, which fulfills the long-standing demand of their ancestors. The prospect of having a road in their village, which has been in existence for over a century, is a source of joy and hope for the community. The support of Indira Shah and the forthcoming cooperation of the local administration are seen as positive steps towards realizing this vital infrastructure development.
The road construction project is now progressing with the necessary permissions and approvals in place. The Gram Panchayat is set to submit an application to the Range Forest Official in Khalapur to secure the Forest NOC, a crucial requirement for the project. The proactive approach of the local authorities and the cooperation of the landowner have accelerated the process, bringing the road construction closer to commencement.
The sustained efforts of media coverage, particularly by MiDDAY, have played a crucial role in highlighting the need for road connectivity in these tribal hamlets. Through detailed stories and follow-up reports, the challenges faced by the villagers have been brought to the forefront, prompting action and support from various stakeholders. The impact of such journalism is evident in the progress made towards fulfilling the community’s demand for a road.
Rajendra Pawar, the Range Forest Officer in Khalapur, emphasizes the importance of obtaining the required approvals for the road construction. Once the application is received from the Gram Panchayat, the necessary steps will be taken to secure the forest department’s approval, ensuring compliance with the regulatory guidelines. The cooperation of all concerned parties is essential to expedite the project and ensure its successful implementation.
On the administrative front, Satyajit Bade, the Additional CEO of Zilla Parishad in Raigad district, acknowledges the significant contribution of the landowner in facilitating the road construction for tribal welfare. The gesture of allowing the use of private land for public good is commendable and sets a positive example for other landowners. Bade appeals to private stakeholders to consider similar actions to enable road connectivity for other hamlets in the region, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development for rural communities.
The road construction project for Karambali Thakurwadi and Kadai Dhangarwada is expected to commence soon, pending the final approvals and clearances. The availability of funds and the necessary resources are being mobilized to ensure the timely completion of the project. The commitment of the local authorities and the support of the community are vital in realizing the long-awaited road connectivity for these hamlets.
In conclusion, the forthcoming road construction in the tribal hamlets of Raigad district marks a significant milestone in addressing the infrastructure needs of the local communities. The collaborative efforts of the residents, the landowner, and the authorities reflect a shared commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents. As the project progresses, it is expected to bring about positive changes and opportunities for the villagers, ushering in a new era of development and progress in the region.
