Dholka Farmers Continue Agitation Over Polluted Water After Talks End Without Written Assurance
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Farmers in Dholka taluka have decided to continue their 28-day agitation over polluted water after a five-hour meeting with administrative officials ended without the written assurance they had demanded. The farmers allege that chemical-laden wastewater released by chemical and pharmaceutical units has made hundreds of acres of agricultural land barren, severely affecting their livelihoods and reducing flower production in the area known as the “City of Flowers”.
The farmers held a rally on Thursday demanding action against the companies allegedly releasing polluted water. However, with the administration refusing to provide a written commitment for a permanent solution, the farmers decided to continue their protest.
Farmers Allege Groundwater Pollution In Six Villages
Farmers from villages including Ambali, Paldi, Nesda, Betawada, Gunda and Pisawada have alleged that groundwater has been severely polluted due to chemical discharge from nearby companies.
According to the farmers, repeated complaints have failed to result in action against the pharmaceutical companies. They claim the pollution has damaged agricultural land and affected flower and horticultural crops.
The area, known for its flower production, has seen a significant decline in cultivation, according to the protesting farmers. They have also raised serious health concerns, claiming that 24 people in the area have died from serious diseases such as cancer.
Rally Taken Out To Prant Office
A large rally was organised by the farmers on Thursday to demand action against the companies allegedly releasing chemical wastewater.
The protest march was taken out towards the Prant office in the presence of MLA Jignesh Mevani. Farmers raised slogans against the government and expressed their anger over the pollution issue.
More than 200 police personnel were deployed along the rally route to maintain law and order. No untoward incident was reported during the rally.
Officials Seek Up To Two Years For Permanent Solution
After the rally reached the office, administrative officials held a detailed meeting with Jignesh Mevani and representatives of the farmers.
During the meeting, the Prant officer sought one-and-a-half to two years to find a permanent solution to the issue.
Officials also said steps would be taken to seal factories and companies releasing chemical wastewater and that a committee would be formed to address the problem.
The farmers, however, demanded a strict and clear timeline for these actions in writing.
The officials refused to provide a written commitment. The meeting subsequently ended without a resolution, leaving the farmers and leaders angry.
Farmers Take Oath Not To Vote For BJP
After the meeting, the farmers gathered on the premises in the presence of Jignesh Mevani and took an oath in the name of their ancestors that they would not vote for the BJP.
Mevani also criticised the government, saying people should not trust those who, according to him, have failed to provide employment to young people for the past 30 years and have made false promises.
He called on people to hold awareness meetings against the BJP from the following day and go from village to village. The development could lead to changes in the political equations of the region, according to the source material.
Companies Named Over Chemical Discharge
The protest material identifies the following companies as allegedly releasing chemical-laden water:
- Dimantech Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
- Kedia Pharmaceutics
- Vasa Pharma
- Corex Biotech
- Dharmaj Organics Pvt. Ltd.
Farmers Also Accuse Dholka Municipality
Local residents have also alleged that Dholka Municipality is releasing untreated and dirty water into the open despite having a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).
According to the allegations, this water is reaching villages including Ambali, Paldi, Nesda, Betawada and Pisawada, damaging flower fields and horticultural crops.
Farmers’ Four Key Demands
The farmers have demanded:
- Immediate stoppage of polluted water allegedly released by Dholka Municipality.
- Strict action against industries discharging chemical wastewater.
- Compensation for families of people who have died of cancer due to the polluted water.
- Steps to permanently make the affected area free from pollution.
The farmers have decided to continue their agitation as the administration did not provide the written assurance they were seeking.
