Demand clarity on project, and filling up of recently excavated portion for proposed bandhara
Residents of Mirabag at the WRD office at Pajimol-Sanguem.
SANGUEM
Agitating locals of Mirabag-Sanvordem on Friday marched to the office of the Water Resources Department at Pajimol-Sanguem to demand that the officials concerned submit a report regarding the proposed construction of the bandhara.
The agitation against the proposed bandhara by the WRD at Mirabag completed 18 days, with protesters refusing to back down from their agitation. At the WRD office, they also demanded that the pit dug two years ago, along with the recently excavated portion for the proposed construction, be immediately filled up.
Initially, the officials failed to provide a concrete response and stated that it would take another eight days. This prompted the protesters to stage a demonstration outside the office, raising slogans and declaring that they would not move from the premises until a written reply was provided. After nearly two hours of discussion, the officer concerned contacted senior authorities and issued a written assurance stating that the excavated pits would be filled. Following this, the protesters returned to the site of their ongoing sit-in protest.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanket Bhandari stated that villagers are unitedly fighting for the welfare of their village.
He expressed regret that the village panch, sarpanch, and MLA were absent on the issue. He voiced confidence that the government would eventually have to provide written confirmation to the people of Mirabag that the bandh has been cancelled. Clarifying that the agitation would not be withdrawn, he stated that anyone expecting the protest to fizzle out is mistaken. Though he did not disclose the next course of action, he affirmed that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure success.
Councillor Meshu D’Costa said that if the bandh is constructed at Mirabag, the presiding deity of Sanguem, Shri Sangameshwar, could be submerged under water. He expressed concern that the recently celebrated grand festival might turn out to be the last if the project proceeds, and assured his full support for the agitation. A large number of women participated in the march. Over the past eighteen days, villagers have set aside their daily work to fight for the village’s welfare, and many citizens, institutions, and organisations have extended their support to the movement.
