Sakti: In the village of Devarmal, a traditional pond is being refilled with ash – an act that is permitted by the Sarpanch with the consent of the Sub Divisional Magistrate. This decision resulted in the villagers’ protest and an official complaint to the District Collector against the SDM. The people of the Sakti district have been dealing with the menace of the ash mafia for many years. Now, another reason for this anger has been the Sarpanch’s decision to sell off the pond to these mafias for development.
At present, several hundreds of dumpers of ash have been deposited into the pond. Currently, the matter is subject to media attention, and a representative of the Sarpanch states that permission for the said activity was issued by SDM K.S. Paikra. The Sarpanch has been found to be guilty of involving in Illegal Ash dealings where vacant lands, portions of riverbeds, and dry ponds are being sold at exorbitant prices. Sources in the local claim Sarpanches can earn up to Rs 500/ truck of ash dumped and hence have a vested interest in ‘donating’ dry ponds to the mafias. This scheme ensures that Sarpanch earns a passive income by cashing in on the ash dumping activity.
It is necessary to mention that one of the reporters tried to clarify from Devari Lal Jaiswal, nephew of Sarpanch. He claimed that all necessary sanctions were taken from SDM and the Tehsildar revenue officer for filing the pond with ash. But he conceded that a smaller pond had been previous filled without seeking prior permission. Still, he argued that the current project had to be done as this would entail having a site for a new market besides creating employment under the employment guarantee schemes.
SDM K.S. Paikra said he would look into the matter of ash dumping into the pond to blow the controversy. He stated categorically that if any erring was established, then the company would take the necessary action.
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