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.