Chandrapur: The indefinite hunger strike by Eco-Pro president Bandu Dhotre for conservation of the historic Ramala Lake has evoked a tremendous support in the last five days.
Chandrapur MLA Kishor Jorgewar and former Union minister of state Hansraj Ahir along with scores of social, cultural, industrial and environmental organizations have extended their full-fledged support to the cause.
On Friday, mayor Rakhi Kancharlawar and deputy mayor Raul Pawde had a detailed discussion with Dhotre over measures needed to be undertaken by the civic body for the lake’s protection.
The Chandrapur Municipal Corporation (CMC) has also issued a communiqué detailing its efforts towards the protection of the lake. Officials claimed that the civic body recently cleaned the lake by removing the echornia weed and also built a weir over the mucchi nullah to divert sewage water from flowing into the water body.
Officials also claimed that CMC has time and again sent proposals seeking funds for works needed to be done for protection and conservation of lake to the district collector and is waiting for its sanction.
Earlier, Ahir met Dhotre at the agitation site and extended his full support to the cause. He claimed that the 550-year-old lake is a precious heritage spot of city and needs all the measures for its conservation and beautification. He assured to take up the issue with the authorities to get aid through the Prime Minister Mining Development Fund and corporate social responsibility.
MLA Jorgewar also met Dhotre and said that he would take up the matter with the state government for sanctioning funds for cleaning, de-polluting and conservating Ramala Lake. He also called upon the district collector and had a detailed discussion regarding the hurdles causing a delay in cleaning of the historic lake.