A drum protest was organized in Arvi on Tuesday against the alleged arbitrary functioning of the municipal council. Citizens and organizations expressed strong anger over a steep increase in house tax and poor civic services.
Protest led by Congress leader Bala Jagtap
The protest was led by Bala Jagtap, founder president of Prahar Social Forum and a Congress leader. Members of multiple political parties and social organizations joined the agitation, raising slogans against the administration. Participants included the Congress, NCP (SP), auto union organizations, and the masons' association.
Allegations of unjust tax hike
Protesters alleged that the civic body revised house tax to nearly five times the previous rate. They termed the hike unjust and accused the administration of financially exploiting citizens. They demanded an immediate rollback of the increase, citing inadequate basic services.
Civic issues highlighted
The protesters also highlighted several civic problems, including clogged drains and gutters, a rising mosquito menace, risk of epidemics, irregular garbage collection, and acute water shortage in wards. They demanded that drains be cleaned on a war footing before the monsoon, the number of garbage collection vehicles be increased, and water be supplied through tankers until regular supply is restored.
Additional demands
Additional demands included setting up auto stands in the city, immediate release of funds to beneficiaries under the housing scheme, and implementation of additional subsidies under the labour welfare board schemes.
