Mumbai/Vasai: Milk traders associated with ‘Vivan Milk and Milk Products’ in Mandvi, located in the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation area, have received major relief thanks to the efforts of former North Mumbai MP Gopal Shetty. The electricity supply, which was cut off following action by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), has now been restored, bringing business back on track for hundreds of milk traders.
Recognizing the severe problem caused by the power shutdown, Gopal Shetty met with MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Jyoti Ramdas Kadam to demand an immediate solution. Shivdayal Mishra, District President of Shiv Sena North Indian Wing, along with representatives of the milk traders, were also part of this delegation.
During the meeting, the traders explained that the power shutdown had completely stopped the production of milk and dairy products. This had severely impacted the livelihood of hundreds of traders and their dependent families.
Earlier, the Thane Regional Office of the MPCB had ordered the relevant departments to immediately cut off the power and water supply to Vivan Milk and Milk Products (Survey No. 76, Mandvi Village, Vasai, Palghar). This action was taken for alleged serious violations of environmental rules under Section 33-A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 31-A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Following these orders, the electricity department had disconnected the power.
Speaking on the occasion, Gopal Shetty said that while following environmental rules is necessary, innocent milk traders should not suffer due to administrative action. Citing relevant Supreme Court guidelines, he suggested that the electricity supply be restored after clearing pending bills or completing other necessary formalities. He also suggested giving the industry three months to complete the required processes.
Following Gopal Shetty’s request, MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Jyoti Ramdas Kadam took immediate notice of the matter and gave the necessary instructions to the concerned officials. After this, the electricity supply was restored. This has brought huge relief to the affected milk traders, and their business has started running smoothly again.
Expressing their gratitude to Gopal Shetty and MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Jyoti Ramdas Kadam, the milk traders said that their quick and sensitive intervention saved the livelihoods of hundreds of families. They hoped that public representatives and the administration would continue to show similar sensitivity toward public issues in the future.