Pale-Cotombi: The demolition of the old Pale-Cotombi Village Panchayat building and the decision to construct a new one has triggered a political and legal controversy. Congress leader Rajesh Sawal has raised serious concerns regarding the legality of the demolition and the ownership of the land where the new structure is being built.
Addressing a press conference, Sawal questioned whether the Panchayat had secured the required permissions for the construction. He also cast doubt over the rightful ownership of the land, calling for greater transparency and legal clarity.
In response, the current Sarpanch, along with Panchayat members and the Panchayat Secretary, defended the move. They stated that the old building was structurally unsafe and shared photographs to back their claim. The officials also insisted that all permissions for demolition and new construction had been obtained in accordance with regulations.
Regarding land ownership, the Panchayat clarified that the land belongs to the Pale Gaonkar family, who have legally signed an agreement permitting the construction of the new building on the same site.
The dispute has sparked a wider debate on procedural transparency and the role of local bodies in infrastructure development, with both sides standing firm on their positions.
