Dinesh Kamath's news 'Debate over whether developmental work at Dronagiri should stop or continue' that was published in Newsband

Debate over whether developmental work at Dronagiri should stop or continue

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: The hill in Dronagiri node in Uran holds mythological significance. Hence many residents in and around this place have a kind of religious attachment towards this hill. But the developmental works that is being carried out here has started worrying these people who are appealing to the authorities to leave alone the hill which they consider as a holy place.

A resident of this place said, “We consider this hill as a holy place. It has historical and mythological value. The construction works that are being done here should at once stop or we will be forced to stage an agitation. We understand that the authorities are trying to make this place worth living for us but there are some elements who are out to destroy this place without caring about the fact that many residents over here consider it as a holy place.”

When asked as to why exactly that place was considered as holy, he replied that the hill was dropped there by Hindu God Lord Hanuman owing to which many Hindus consider this region as a place of worship. He added, "It is believed that for many centuries the hill was dropped by Lord Hanuman. Things like digging and excavations can endanger this place and make it prone to earthquakes and other dangers.”

These residents have taken the help of environmental activists and experts to fight for their cause. These environmentalists have also appealed to the authorities to stop development works in Dronagiri at once.

A real estate agent seemed to be happy about the construction works taking place in this region. He said, “This place is fit for construction of residences which will have huge demand considering the location of the place and many scopes it provides. The real estate people will manage to do great business here once the place is developed.”

An environment expert said, “This region is located in coastal area and to carry out development work over here is dangerous from ecological and environmental angle. The authorities are taking a big risk and putting the lives of residents over here in danger. The authorities should consult the environmentalists before carrying out further developmental works here. Another way to prevent the construction work from continuing is appealing to the High Court by the residents.”

The municipal authorities are facing a tough time in deciding whether Dronagiri should be left alone or whether development works should continue taking place here.