Report of the panel appointed by the Maharashtra government to probe in to allegations of villagers and Warkaris (religious) sect against Dow Chemical's research and development facility (R&D) at Chakan near Pune is likely to get delayed as committee's chairman, retired Supreme Court judge S P Kurdukar has asked to excuse himself from responsibility sighting conflict of interest.
It may be recalled that, last month chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh announced to appoint four member committee to probe the allegations and fears of villagers and Warkaris who apprehend, Dow's facility will pollute the area which is sacred to Warkari sect as it is a land of Sant Tukaram (17th centaury sage).
Warkaris ransacked and burned down Dow's facility at Vasuli-Shinde village near Chakan which is under construction and as Warkaris have large following across the state, their agitation spread across the state.
Fearing political backlash, Deshmukh announced to give a stay to construction activity to Dow's R&D facility while he was in Europe tour to scout for investments for the state in early part of the October. Subsequently he announced to appoint the committee under chairmanship of retired high court or Supreme Court justice.
The committee was asked to submit its report within month and it was expected that committee will submit its report by 15th of this month.
Speaking with Business Standard a senior official from environment ministry said, "Justice Kurdukar has asked himself to relive of his responsibility as after attending couple of hearings of committee, he came to know, his close relative has worked as legal counsel for Dow in the past, so sighting conflict of interest, he asked to excuse himself.
Now we have once again approached chief justice of Bombay High Court to recommend the name of new justice to head the committee, he added.
Though Kurdukar has sought to excuse, committee has already began its work, couple of hearing have already taken place and after appointment of the new chairman, he or she has to only carry forward the work, he or she need not have to do it all over again, official opined.