Team Goemkarponn
VALPOI: Health and Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has assured villagers in Khotoda Panchayat that efforts are underway to improve mobile network connectivity in the region and to provide the necessary no objection certificate (NOC) for the construction of a bridge between Velge and Dabose.
Speaking at a special programme organised in Khotoda, Rane said that several villages in the Panchayat lack proper network facilities, but steps have been taken to address this long-pending issue. “Problems related to installing towers on forest department land have now been resolved, and towers have already been set up in many locations. Work will continue to ensure full coverage,” he said.
Responding to a demand from the Panchayat for a bridge connecting Velge and Dabose, Rane announced that the NOC would be issued soon, since the land on one side belongs to him. “This bridge will benefit several villagers and provide much-needed connectivity,” he stated.
Highlighting broader issues in Sattari taluka, Rane pointed out that the area, being largely forested, has long suffered restrictions due to sanctuary notifications issued during President’s Rule by then Governor J.R. Jacob. “For years, villagers faced harassment, but we have taken responsibility to ensure that citizens are not troubled unnecessarily. The rights of people who have planted trees in the forest will be protected, and officials have been instructed not to disturb them,” he added.
Rane emphasised that resolving people’s grievances is the foremost duty of elected representatives. “The people of Sattari are our family, and their protection is our responsibility. The Rane family has always worked with their trust and cooperation, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
On the occasion, food grains were distributed to Ganesh devotees as part of Chaturthi celebrations.
Khotoda Sarpanch Prashita Gaonkar, Panch members Namdev Rane, Nandini Malshekar, Rajaram Parwar, Saloni Gaonkar, Rohidas Gaonkar, Vinod Shinde, and ZP member Rajshree Kale were present. Sarpanch Gaonkar praised Rane for safeguarding villagers’ interests and urged that priority be given to solving the mobile network issues and expediting the Velge-Dabose bridge project.
