SANGUEM
The ongoing agitation against the proposed bhandara project at Mirabag in Sanvordem is set to be shifted to Azad Maidan in Panaji from Thursday, March 5, as villagers intensify their protest demanding scrapping of the project.
The protest, which began at Mirabag Sanvordem opposing the construction of the bhandara across the Zuari river, has witnessed sustained participation from local residents. The agitators have maintained that the proposed structure would adversely affect their agricultural fields, natural surroundings and the sanctity of their village deity temple.
Speaking to reporters, representatives of the agitation committee stated that shifting the protest to Azad Maidan is a strategic move to ensure that the government hears their grievances at the highest level. They reiterated that the villagers are united in their demand to halt the project and warned that the agitation would be intensified if their concerns are ignored.
Meanwhile, reflecting their determination and unity, the villagers celebrated the festival of Holi at the protest site on Tuesday. Despite being engaged in the agitation, men, women and children gathered at the site, performed traditional rituals and marked the festival with colours, symbolising their resolve to continue the protest while preserving their cultural traditions.
