Gadchiroli Feb. 25 (District Correspondent) A ‘half-naked dhol bajao’ agitation was held today under the leadership of social activist Mukesh Kawale to protest against illegal murrum mining in Kasansur forest area of Bhamragad forest division and the inaction of the administration. The protest was held in front of the office of the Chief Conservator of Forests here to draw the attention of the administration.
The protest has been going on in front of the office of the CCF, Gadchiroli for the last 12 days, but the administration is not taking any concrete action. Hence this agitation was staged.There is collusion between the forest department officials and the contractors in and the natural wealth is being looted openly, it was alleged.
The Principal Secretary of the Forest Department had ordered the Chief Conservator of Forests, Gadchiroli to take strict action within 3 days, but despite that order, no action has been taken. Therefore, angry citizens protested by going half-naked and beating drums today to demand action.
If action is not taken against the culprits soon, the agitation will be intensified. On February 26 – Mundan Dhol Bajao Andolan and on March 3 – Fast unto death in front of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests office Nagpur will be held, it was warned.
The guilty officers should be suspended and strict criminal cases should be filed against them. Forest offences should be registered against the guilty contractors, are the main demands, told Mr. Kawle.
