Vadodara: A group of local residents from the Tandalja area staged a protest outside the District Collector’s office on Thursday, alleging violations of the Disturbed Areas Act (Ashant Dhara) in connection with a proposed housing scheme. The residents demanded the cancellation of permission granted for the housing project, claiming that the order issued under the Disturbed Areas Act for the land in question is flawed.

As part of the protest, residents recited the Hanuman Chalisa and chanted Ram Dhun outside the Collector’s office, expressing concerns over the nature of the proposed development.

Residents Allege Disturbed Areas Act Violation in Tandalja of Vadodara; Seek Cancellation of Housing Schemehttps://t.co/mN51Dl5r98 pic.twitter.com/3XGCNpE8z8

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According to the protesters, the plot, bearing Survey No. 209, was originally owned by a Hindu individual and is situated in a predominantly Hindu locality, with around 400 to 500 Hindu families residing nearby. They alleged that a housing scheme linked to members of the Muslim community is being planned on the site.

One of the residents, Paresh Shah, said, “We came to meet the Collector as residents of the Tandalja area. The plot bearing Survey No. 209 was entirely in the name of a Hindu individual and is located within a Hindu-majority locality. About five to seven days ago, we came to know that a housing scheme for Muslims was being planned on the site. Upon inquiry, we found that there are two Hindu partners and five Muslim partners involved.”

He further added, “We want to understand how permission under the Disturbed Areas Act was granted in such a locality and how this kind of scheme can be approved. We suspect there may be some form of irregularity. We have urged the government to strictly implement the provisions of the Act and verify this case.”

Raising concerns about potential law and order issues, he said, “In the past, even minor incidents during festivals like Holi have escalated in areas where communities live in close proximity. Who will take responsibility if such situations arise in the future? This matter must be thoroughly investigated. Despite there being only two Hindu partners and five Muslim partners, local residents were not consulted.”

Residents also alleged that undue influence may have been used in obtaining the permission, claiming that a relative of a former BJP corporator is among the project’s partners.

The protesters have demanded the cancellation of the permission granted under the Disturbed Areas Act for the project, along with the revocation of the land transaction, citing concerns over potential social tensions. DeshGujarat