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Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti holds hunger strike over illegal scrap businesses in Chiplun

Administrative apathy pushing Chiplun towards becoming a ‘scrap city’ instead of a ‘smart city’

Shri. Anurag Utekar, Dr. Hemant Chalke and other representatives of Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti in discussion with Smt. Rupali Dandekar and Shri. Nihar Kovale

Chiplun, Maharashtra – The rising number of illegal scrap businesses in Chiplun city and its surrounding rural areas is posing a serious threat to the environment as well as to public health and safety.

Despite being declared illegal in official surveys, there appears to be a complete lack of willingness among authorities to take action. In protest against this serious administrative apathy, the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti organised a chain hunger strike on 1 May 2026. 

Administrative negligence

  • Survey conducted, but no action taken: A survey carried out by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board in April 2024 identified several scrap businesses as illegal. However, neither the Chiplun Municipal Council nor the Pollution Control Board has taken any concrete action.
  • Officials cite lack of time: Following repeated efforts by the committee, the Sub-Divisional Officer reportedly stated, “We remain busy throughout the year; immediate action as per your demand is not possible.” The Samiti has described this approach as irresponsible.
  • Lack of clarity or avoidance? : The Chief Officer of the Chiplun Municipal Council reportedly asked, “Under which law should action be taken? You tell us,” while the Pollution Control Board cited staff shortages.

The committee questioned whether such inaction had emboldened illegal operators with the belief that no action would be taken against them. It also raised concerns about whether the administration is allowing Chiplun to turn into a ‘scrap city’. 

Warning of further agitation

Despite repeated representations over the past four months to the District Collector, Sub-Divisional Officer, and Chief Officer, only procedural steps have been taken without tangible results.

Expressing dissatisfaction, the Samiti stated that it will now move beyond submitting memorandums and adopt stronger legal measures and intensified agitation. 

The hunger strike was organised by Anurag Utekar, Rajesh Otari, Ajinkya Otari, Aditya Joshi, Chairman Nihar Kovale, Dr Hemant Chalke, Vilas Ingawale, Prashant Utekar, Ashish Athawale and others.

Several public representatives and citizens participated in the protest, including Deputy Chairperson Rupali Dandekar, Corporator Shashikant Modi, VHP district convener Dhananjay Chitale, Pramod Patwardhan, Parag Oak, businessman Umesh Katkar, BJP district treasurer Ashish Khatu, Umesh Mahadik of Akhil Vishva Gayatri Parivar, Abhay Juvle of Govalkot Raje Pratishthan, Gau Rakshak Vikram Joshi, Mahendra Chalke of Sanatan Sanstha, Pandhari Chavan of Hanuman Prasadic Mandal, Vasudev Shinde, entrepreneur Amit Joshi, Durgaprasad Mirgal, Nikhila Ratava and hundreds of citizens.

During the protest, Corporator Shashikant Modi assured that he would take initiative to resolve the issue. Deputy Chairperson Nikhila Ratava and Nihar Kovale also stated that they would follow up seriously with the Chief Officer. Meanwhile, Municipal President Umesh Sakpal visited the protest site and expressed support, stating that all possible legal steps would be taken.

Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti warns of agitation against illegal scrap businesses in Chiplun

April 11, 2026

From left: Suraj Kadam, Ajinkya Otari, Umesh Mahadik; Hemant Chalke (speaking), Anurag Utekar, Parag Oak, and Rajesh Otari.

Chiplun, Maharashtra – Chiplun, the sacred land of Lord Parshuram, along with its surrounding rural regions, is witnessing a rapid rise in illegal scrap-related businesses. These operators are openly running their activities on privately purchased or rented land, particularly in residential localities and along the Chiplun–Goa and Chiplun–Karad highways.

A detailed memorandum regarding this issue was submitted to the District Guardian Minister, Uday Samant, who has directed the District Collector to take immediate action. 

Although the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Ashok Ligade, sought 15 days to address the issue, the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti has set a 20-day deadline. If strict action is not taken against these illegal businesses and the concerned officials, the Samiti has warned that it will launch a strong public agitation. It further stated that Hindu organisations across the state would unite to oppose the growing scrap mafia problem.

This ultimatum was issued by the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti during a press conference held in Chiplun.

Key points from the press conference

  • Hazardous operations: These businesses are engaged in dangerous activities such as washing chemical drums, plastic recycling, cutting iron scrap, processing industrial waste, and storing highly flammable materials like plastic and cardboard, posing serious safety risks.
  • Administrative inaction: Despite repeated complaints, along with supporting evidence, submitted to the Chiplun Municipal Council (24 December 2025) and the Ratnagiri District Collector (8 January 2026), the administration has failed to take any concrete action.
  • Regulatory violations: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has stated that “M/s. Afzal Scrap Merchant” does not possess any permission or licence. Despite this, the Municipal Council continues to sell its waste to the operator, even though it has its own plant and adequate space available.
  • Lack of accountability: Information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) reveals that not a single scrap dealer in the city is registered with the Municipal Council. In this context, the Chief Officer reportedly asking the Pollution Control Board “under which law action should be taken” reflects a concerning lack of responsibility and urgency.
  • Public safety risks: On 21 March 2026, a major fire broke out at a plastic recycling unit in the Nagave Gram Panchayat area, causing severe environmental damage. Such facilities located in residential areas and along highways pose a serious threat to public safety.
  • Security concerns: There is no system in place to register scrap collectors (feriwalas) operating in both rural and urban areas. During 2025–26, 28 preventive actions were taken under Section 128 of the BNSS. The absence of regulation raises concerns about potential involvement in thefts or other crimes, with little effective oversight in place.
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