Santokhgarh/Una, April 12 (Rajveer Chopra):— The agitation by local residents against the proposed chemical industry in the Santokhgarh region is steadily intensifying. On Sunday, residents of the area united to make it unequivocally clear that, under no circumstances, will this industry be allowed to be established here.
This mass movement is being spearheaded by the 'Nagar Parishad Ekta Manch' (Municipal Council Unity Forum), an organization formed a year ago to address issues concerning public interest and regional development. Shadi Lal, the President of the Manch, stated that the organization's objective, right from its inception, has been to preserve the unity of the region and to raise a collective voice on issues pertinent to the public interest. He issued a warning that the chemical industry could have severe adverse effects on the region's environment, water sources, and the health of its residents—consequences that would be deemed unacceptable under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, social media influencer Rohit Katwal has also extended his support to the movement and announced his intention to wage a legal battle against the project. He affirmed that, should the need arise, a petition would be filed in the appropriate court to vigorously champion this cause, thereby ensuring that no compromises are made regarding the environment and public health.
On this issue, both of the major political parties involved in local politics were also seen standing together on a common platform. Mukesh Puri, President of the Congress Urban Unit, and Rajesh Prabhakar, President of the BJP Urban Unit, jointly endorsed this matter of public interest, emphasizing that it is imperative to rise above partisan politics to make decisions that serve the best interests of the region. They pledged their unwavering support to the public in their opposition to the chemical industry.
Furthermore, both leaders expressed their support for an initiative to hold the upcoming Municipal Council elections unopposed. They believe that selecting representatives through mutual consensus would accelerate development projects and help avoid unnecessary political confrontations.
Local residents, social organizations, the youth, and the elderly alike have lauded the efforts undertaken by the 'Ekta Manch'. Currently, an atmosphere of solidarity and awareness prevails in the region, where people are uniting to raise their voices in defense of the environment and health.