Uran: The residents of Karanja have strongly opposed the land acquisition for the Karanja-Revas bridge, causing the land acquisition officers who went for measurement to return empty-handed. The government has altered the route of the Reddy-Revas-Karanja bridge, initiating a new round of land acquisition. Villagers accuse the authorities of changing the route to protect the lands of the wealthy.
The dream envisioned by B.A.R. Antule is finally taking shape after 40 years. Since his election, MLA Mahendra Dalvi from Alibag has been advocating for this bridge. Now, during the final stages of the alliance government, the project has gone out for tender once again. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation will construct the bridge. However, farmers and residents are becoming aggressive regarding the new plan. Approximately 250 to 300 acres of land within the jurisdiction of the Chanje Gram Panchayat will be acquired for the Revas-Karanja route. On August 5, Panvel's Sub-Divisional Officer and Land Acquisition Officers went for the acquisition process.
At this time, a large number of farmers were present, including Kalpesh Thali, President of the Karanja Gram Vikas Mandal, Manohar Thakur, President of the Navapada Gram Vikas Mandal, social activists Sachin Daur, Shantaram Thali, Shailesh Daur, Paresh Mhatre, Rohidas Mhatre, Parshuram Mhatre, Mahesh Daur, and Lalit Bhagat. In 1980, the Maharashtra government, under then Chief Minister Late Barrister A.R. Antule, announced the Karanja to Revas route. The land acquisition process began, and work started. However, the work was halted due to a change in government. Now, a new plan for the road has been prepared.
Sachin Daur has accused the authorities of deliberately altering the route to protect the lands of the wealthy. He also mentioned that the planned route changes could threaten the historically and mythologically significant Dronagiri Hill. He clarified that if the government resumes work on the route as planned in 1980, there will be no opposition from farmers. Meanwhile, it is reported that a meeting will be organized at the District Collector's office with Raigad MP Sunil Tatkare, Maval MP Shrirang Barne, and MLA Mahendra Dalvi in attendance.
