Express news service, February 09, 2008
Pune, February 8 Taking cognisance of the protest by villagers from Shinde against the Dow Chemical Research and Development Centre in their village, the State Government has appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Environment Secretary S K Goel to look into the issue.
A government resolution (GR) appointing the eight-member committe was issued on February 6. While the committee is headed by the Secretary/Principal Secretary (Environment), the other members include district collector, police commissioner, members from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), director, National Chemical Laboratory, director, University Department of Chemical Technology, Matunga and Regional officer of MPCB.
They have been asked to present a report in two weeks after holding hearings with the villagers.
The GR also mentioned that they could consult scientists for preparing the report.
The Lokshashan Andolan and Lokayat who are supporting the villagers have decided to appointing their own committee to present their case before the appointed committee.
Former High Court judge B G Kolse-Patil from Lokshashan Andolan said that they were not happy with the committee appointed and wanted their own scientific experts in it to present the case of the villagers.
Meanwhile, the villagers who have blocked the road leading to the site by digging up the road continue their agitation and have not allowed any vehicle to ply to the construction site since last 22 days.

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