Members of the Kharghar Taloja Colonies Welfare Association (KTCWA) have announced a chain hunger strike on Plot No. 1, Sector 35 G, Kharghar. This action is in protest against the dumping of construction debris by contractors of the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) on this designated open space.

Frustrated by the PMC's refusal to halt the dumping and remove the debris despite multiple appeals, residents have decided to stage a chain hunger strike beginning on June 8th at the same plot to demonstrate their unity and determination.

Plot No. 1, Sector 35 G, spanning 4 acres, is designated as a playground according to the CIDCO Development Plan. This open space was officially handed over to the PMC by CIDCO in 2022. During the tenure of former commissioner Ganesh Deshmukh, the plot was reserved entirely as a playground for residents. The community has a history of defending this plot against encroachment, successfully protecting it through collective efforts. During the pandemic, residents, supported by KTCWA, organized a large-scale cleanliness drive and planted several trees around the periphery through crowd funding.

Currently, the plot is being used by the PMC as a dumping ground for construction debris. Despite repeated appeals, the rubble has not been removed, prompting the decision to protest. KTCWA Chairman Mangesh Ranawade stated, “Despite continuous follow-ups with the Panvel Municipal Corporation over the past two months, no action has been taken to clear the debris. The Corporation is using the open playground plot for dumping cement blocks and rubble for its own interests and is adamant about taking over the land. We were shocked to receive a response stating that this is PMC's property and that nobody can interfere.”

Residents and KTCWA members have accused the PMC of breaching the trust of citizens who have long fought to maintain the plot's integrity. They have issued an ultimatum, warning that if the debris is not cleared by June 7th, they will commence a chain hunger strike on June 8th. The community has shown strong support for this cause, promising to gather on the plot to demonstrate their unity and commitment.