SANGUEM
Residents of Mugoli-Uguem in Sanguem taluka have voiced strong opposition to the construction of a bhandara at Mirabag, Sanvordem by the Water Resources Department (WRD). They argue that building a Bhandara across the tidal Zuari River is dangerous and will adversely affect nearby villages.
Ten years ago, a similar project was proposed at Mugoli but was scrapped following local opposition. Villagers are now upset that the same project is being implemented at Mirabag instead, without proper consultation.
Residents of Mirabag and Falnem have already objected to the project. Mugoli villagers, who live along the Zuari River, have now joined in, claiming the structure will cause backwater to flood their homes and agricultural land.
“The WRD had cancelled the project once. Why repeat the same mistake, and for whose benefit?” questioned former Uguem sarpanch Santosh Gaonkar. He added that the department should clearly outline the project’s scope and impact before proceeding.
Villagers say there is no need for a Bhandara on a tidal river and are open to water being drawn during high tide, but oppose any permanent structure.
They also raised concerns about the fate of Shri Sangameshwar Temple at Sanguem, located at the confluence of two rivers. According to them, the temple, which is accessible during low tide and attracts large crowds during Mahashivratri, may remain submerged permanently if the Bhandara is constructed.
The villagers have urged Sanguem MLA Subhash Phal Dessai and Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar to reconsider the project in light of its potential impact on their livelihood and religious heritage.
Panchayat members Uday Desai, Ramchandra Desai, and Yashwant Naik also expressed strong opposition, warning that the project would severely impact the lives of Mugoli villagers who depend on the Zuari River.
