Khandala residents up in arms against destruction of forest land

Mumbai, Nov 14 (UNI) Expressing concern over the destruction of forest land, residents of a co-operative housing society in the nearby hill station of Khandala have urged Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and local authorities to stop environmental degradation.

In a statement here, the Vikas Valley Co-operative Housing society secretary Ashok Jatia alleged that the developer had converted a portion of the residential area into a hotel, which was in violation of rules. Many century old trees were felled to make way for construction of the hotel, the statement alleged.

The hotel in the area draws busloads of picnickers who shatter the calm and tranquility of the valley and cause nuisance to residents.

They block the entire valley, play loud music, oblivious to the feelings of the residents.

The statement said the developer has also started mass excavation on the hillside adjoining the hotel resulting in the felling of trees and cutting of hills, apparently allowing extension of the hotel.

He said the Vikas Valley layout has been developed basically for residential purposes and attempts to convert it into a commercial zone has spoilt not only the beauty of Khandala, but also violated civic rules, he alleged.

Besides the Chief Minister, the residents have also taken up the matter with Maharashtra State Electricity Board, Lonavala Municipal Council and other local authorities.

The presence of a hotel in Vikas Valley is a breach of trust, residents pointed out. At the time of sale, the developer had given assurances that Vikas Valley was intended to be for residential purpose. As he was unable to sell the row houses, he converted them into a hotel under the name Velvet Retreat also referred to as the Velvet country, Mr Jatia charged.

UNI MR KU SKB1945