Tribals oppose Vaitarna project

The Middle Vaitarna project, one of the most ambitious projects for providing drinking water supply to Mumbai, has hit a roadblock with BJP and tribals opposing its construction in Mokhada taluka of the district.

The district unit of the BJP has opposed the multi-crore project on Vaitarna river in Kochade village following an agitation by tribals in Mokhada and Sahapur areas citing displacement and drinking water problems.

The project mooted by the Sena ruled BMC has met opposition from the party, which is supporting the protest by lakhs of tribals.

Thousands of tribals from the region would stage a black flag demonstration during the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of the project to held on January 22.

The function is likely to be attended by Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray and Mumbai Mayor Shubha Raul among others.

A senior BJP leader in the district, who is spearheading the agitation said that the tribals would never allow the project to come up in Mokhada and Sahapur taluka if their water needs are put at stake to supply water to Mumbai.

"We are not opposed to water being given to Mumbai. Mumbai should grow. It is the commercial capital.

Citizens of Mumbai are our bretherns and we realise it. But if villagers of Sahapur and Mokhada are left thirsty and water from these villages is given to Mumbai we will not allow it to happen," he said.

Besides, more than 1,03,000 trees have been cut making room for the project, he said adding the rehabilitation of 43 families, which have given their land for the project also lies unattended.

The Middle Vaitarna project is to supply 455 MLD (million litres a day) of water to Mumbai city daily, and has been planned in view of the water needs for next 40 years.

The Center will spend Rs 1500 crores while the state government is to spend Rs.1300 crores in the Rs 6,000-crore project.