Panvel: The Republican Party of India (RPI) has warned of a march to the Karanjade gram panchayat office if work on the Buddhist community’s crematorium is not started within eight days.

RPI Panvel city president Nilesh Sonawane issued the ultimatum at a press conference, alleging that the gram panchayat had failed to address the crematorium’s deteriorating condition despite repeated requests over several years.

The crematorium, located in Karanjade Buddhist Wada, has reportedly suffered from severe waterlogging. Community members alleged that an unauthorised warehouse belonging to Blinkit, built on adjoining land, had obstructed drainage, leaving knee-deep water at the site and causing a foul smell. They also expressed concern over alleged encroachments and illegal constructions around the crematorium.

Gram panchayat member Bipin Gaikwad accused the sarpanch of deliberately neglecting the Buddhist community’s demands and alleged discrimination, pointing out that the Hindu crematorium had been modernised while the Buddhist facility remained in disrepair despite four years of requests.

Residents also raised concerns over internal roads, CCTV cameras and the delay in laying a water pipeline despite approval from the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran. They demanded a Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar memorial and a replica of the Indian Constitution at College Phata in Sector 3A.

Social worker Kunal Londhe said the community would approach CIDCO officials seeking action against the alleged illegal warehouse.

Following the press conference, a delegation met Panvel Panchayat Samiti Block Development Officer Sameer Watharkar and sought action to begin the crematorium work within eight days.