The Businessmen's Association of Pauri has condemned the letter of Municipal Board chairman Yashpal Benam distributed among the town’s businessmen stating that only three office bearers of the association are in support of the demand to construct the new Collectorate building at the Jail garden.
The association has said that this is an attempt to divide the business fraternity of Pauri.In a meeting of the association chaired by its president Virendra Rawat, the members alleged that letter distributed by Benam was an attempt to divide them which would not succeed. The association had already given its consent and support in writing with the signature of 470 businessmen in favour of the demand of the people of Pauri for constructing the new collectorate building at Jail Garden.
Rawat said that the protest bandh called by Benam in support of his demand for demolishing the colonial era Collectorate building to construct the new building on August 8 was not supported by the businessmen who kept their shops closed for fear of damage and loot. The protest had turned violent when Benam’s supporters destroyed the temporary structure erected at jail garden for construction of the secretariat building. The bandh supporters had also assaulted a businessman who had kept his shop open on that day.
Accusing Benam of spreading false propaganda against the association, Rawat suggested that he should focus on ensuring proper functioning of the municipality in stead of indulging in negative politics to hamper developmental works supported by the public. Garbage is strewn around the town and dumped in the Ransi stadium while the municipal board fails to ensure proper garbage disposal.
Apart from the unhygienic conditions resulting from absence of scientific garbage disposal, the problems caused by stray animals, anomalies in drainage system, damaged roads and other civic woes are not being addressed effectively by Benam who is focusing on the Collectorate issue to appease his ego, alleged the association members. The businessmen’s association has strongly objected to Benam’s actions which they say are disturbing the harmony and peace in Pauri.