Pratap Sarnaik seeks tough action on middlemen in Dharashiv projects

Maharashtra Transport Minister and Dharashiv District Guardian Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday directed district authorities to take strict action against middlemen allegedly exploiting farmers during land acquisition for windmill projects in DharashivSarnaik said several complaints had been received about individuals posing as intermediaries between companies and farmers using intimidation and threats to influence land deals and deprive farmers of fair compensationldquoThe government must ensure that farmers receive appropriate compensation for land acquired for windmill installations Middlemen who intimidate or exploit farmers will not be toleratedrdquo he said during a review meeting held at Mantralaya ldquoPolice should not wait for formal complaints mdash they must register cases suo motu against such elements and create a secure environment for farmersrdquoThe meeting was attended by Dharashiv District Collector Kirti Kumar Pujara Superintendent of Police Shafkat Aamna Additional Collector Jyoti Patil Resident Deputy Collector Shobha Jadhav and representatives from windmill companies and farmersrsquo groupsWhile stressing the need to protect farmers interests Sarnaik also asked authorities to extend necessary cooperation to wind energy companies for project implementationldquoThe wind energy sector can play a crucial role in Dharashivrsquos developmentrdquo he noted ldquoWe must support genuine investors while ensuring farmers are not exploited The administration must remain alert and proactiverdquoThe minister underscored that the government would act as a mediator between farmers and companies to maintain transparency and ensure equitable compensationMSRTC earned Rs 301 crore during Diwali season says Maharashtra Transport MinisterEarlier Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik had announced that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation MSRTC earned Rs 301 crore during the 10day Diwali period this yearThe Pune division recorded the highest earnings followed by Dhule and Nashik marking a Rs 37crore increase compared to last yearrsquos festive seasonBetween October 18 and October 27 the staterun transport body earned an average of Rs 30 crore per day with revenue peaking at Rs 3975 crore on October 27 mdash the highest singleday collection of 2025 as thousands of passengers returned to cities after the holidaysAmong the corporationrsquos 31 divisions Pune topped with Rs 2047 crore followed by Dhule Rs 1560 crore and Nashik Rs 1541 croreldquoOur dedicated ST staff worked tirelessly staying away from their families during Diwali to ensure passengers reached their destinations safely Their contribution made this success possiblerdquo said Pratap Sarnaik Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman