Maharashtra govt halts work on Dow unit after protests

After followers of the 'Warkari' sect in Maharashtra intensified their agitation against Dow Chemical demanding closure of its proposed unit near Pune, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has ordered a month's stay on the project work.

Deshmukh, currently on a week-long official visit to Europe, has taken the decision keeping in mind the sentiments of the Warkaris (members of the sect), sources close to him said here.

The government has also decided to appoint a committee headed by a former High Court judge to study the objections to the multi-crore R and D project, the sources said, adding the panel is expected to submit a report within a month.

The US chemical multinational is the owner of Union Carbide, responsible for the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy in which several thousand people were killed due to the release of 40 tonnes of deadly methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas.

Dow is trying to build a chemical experimentation facility in Vasuli Shinde village, near Pune, and the project is facing stiff opposition on ground of pollution.

In January, angry villagers dug up the road leading to the plant and stopped construction. In July, when the company attempted to restart construction with police protection, Warkaris entered and demolished the construction site.

They also staged protests in Chakan, Alandi and Khed regions of Pune district. The Warkaris, known for their peace loving nature and devotion to Maharashtra's reigning deity Lord Vithoba of Pandharpur, are up in arms against the project over fears of pollution.