Ravet Waste-to-Energy Project Faces Opposition
Residents demand grand Oxygen Park in memory of late Ajit Pawar at proposed site
Pimpri-Chinchwad : The proposed waste-to-energy project at Ravet has faced opposition from local residents, who have demanded that the site instead be developed into a grand public Oxygen Park named after late Ajit Pawar. A protest was recently held in the Nigdi Pradhikaran area to press for the demand.
With Pimpri-Chinchwad witnessing rapid urbanisation and a growing population, residents have stressed the need to expand the city’s green cover. They believe a large public park would contribute to environmental conservation, improve the quality of urban life and provide citizens with a much-needed open space for recreation.
Around 25 acres of land owned by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) at Ravet has reportedly been identified for the proposed waste-processing project. The land parcels reportedly include Survey Nos. 177, 156 and 158.
Residents have raised concerns over the potential environmental and public health implications of establishing the facility at the proposed location. They fear that the project could affect the surrounding environment and the well-being of people living nearby.
The proposed site is reportedly close to residential areas, educational institutions and Durga Tekdi, an ecologically significant green space in the region. Citing these factors, residents have questioned the suitability of the location and urged the authorities to reconsider the proposal.
As an alternative, protesters have demanded the development of a large public park on the lines of New York’s Central Park. They have proposed naming the green space after the late Ajit Pawar, highlighting the need for more environmentally sustainable urban development in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Opposition Is to the Location, Residents Clarify
Residents have clarified that their opposition is not to waste management itself, but to the proposed location of the project. They have urged the administration to explore alternative sites and adopt environmentally responsible waste-processing solutions that minimise risks to nearby residential communities and ecologically sensitive areas.
The demand has brought the city’s waste-management requirements and the need to preserve green spaces into focus. Residents are seeking a balanced approach that addresses the growing challenge of waste disposal while safeguarding public health and the environment.
The administration’s response to the demand for an alternative site and a public park remains a key issue for residents.
