The hunger strike in Panvel city’s Panchayat Samiti compound has entered its ninth consecutive day, as villagers continue to demand strict legal action against those involved in illegal soil excavation.
"The dispute revolves around government-owned land, allocated in 2019 for caretaking under the Panchayat’s jurisdiction, where large-scale unauthorized soil excavation was allegedly carried out," said a villager.
Protesters claim that not only was the land misused, but the excavated soil was also illegally sold, benefiting certain individuals while causing severe environmental and infrastructural damage to the region.
Since March 17, villagers have been staging an indefinite hunger strike at the Panvel Panchayat Samiti premises. Their key demand is the filing of criminal charges against those responsible, including both the illegal excavators and land buyers who profited from the activity.
Local activist Dattatray Tandale has been vocal about the issue, accusing the authorities of negligence and deliberate inaction. He has alleged that despite repeated complaints, no concrete steps have been taken to investigate or hold the culprits accountable.
On March 24, Panvel Taluka Police visited the protest site and interacted with the demonstrators. However, the protesters remain firm in their demands, insisting that authorities file criminal cases and take swift legal action against those responsible for the excavation.
The villagers have vowed to continue their hunger strike indefinitely until their demands are met. The prolonged protest has drawn attention from local social organizations and activists, who have urged the administration to intervene and address the villagers’ grievances before the situation escalates further.
Officials from the Panchayat Samiti and the district administration have yet to issue an official response, leaving the protesters frustrated and determined to intensify their agitation if necessary.
