PROPOSED BANDHARA AT MIRABAG
Locals raise queries during the presentation on the proposed bhandara project at Mirabag on Saturday.
SANGUEM
Voices opposing the proposed bhandara at Mirabag grew even louder after the PowerPoint presentation at a meeting in the Shree Sthal Ganpati Hall at Sanvordem on Saturday.
The hall was packed with hundreds of villagers from Sanguem, Curchorem and Sanvordem who had gathered to listen to the presentation by the Water Resources Department regarding the proposed bhandara project. The villagers remained silent and patiently listened until the presentation concluded.
While the officials attempted to explain the project, they were reportedly unable to provide clear answers to pointed questions raised by the public, which led to growing anger among the attendees who became increasingly vocal in their opposition to the bhandara.
The people cautioned the officials that no one would be allowed to leave the venue unless the minutes of the meeting were recorded in writing. This demand left the officials in a difficult situation. After discussions among themselves, the officials finally agreed to listen to the objections raised by the people opposing the bhandara and prepared a written record of the meeting.
A key point included in the written record was that if the government does not provide a written assurance within two days that the bhandara project will be cancelled, the agitation would be intensified.
The officials signed the written document acknowledging this demand. The officials also stated in the minutes that they failed to provide satisfactory answers to the questions posed by the villagers.
When officials said they would convey the people’s concerns to the government, the crowd demanded that whatever was being stated should be given in writing and that a copy be handed over to them. This demand too was accepted.
During the meeting, Sanket Bhandari questioned why such a large expenditure was being planned for a water supply capacity of 60 MLD when the people of Sanvordem, Curchorem and Shiroda do not require such a large quantity of water.
Pradeep Kakodkar said that instead of building a bhandara to solve water problems, desilting all the dams in Goa would make more water available at a lower cost. His statement received strong support from those present. The gathering clarified that while they do not oppose drawing fresh water during high tide, they will not allow the construction of a bhandara under any circumstances.
Panchayat members leave venue
Members of Sanvordem Panchayat were present in the hall to listen to the proceedings. However, as the barrage of questions from the public intensified and officials struggled to respond, the panchayat members quietly left the venue. However, panch members Siddhi Pauskar and Deepak Sawant remained with the people until the end.
Officials say Rs 60 cr already spent
Assistant Chief Engineer Ankush Gaonkar informed that although people are opposing the Bhandara, the government has already spent around Rs 60 crore on the project so far.
He stated that the proposed bandhara is being constructed considering the water requirements in the area in 2047.
He, however, assured that the sentiments of the people regarding the project would be conveyed to the government and that the final decision taken by the government would be communicated to the public.
Anticipating that the situation might go out of control, a large police force had been deployed at the venue. Police personnel had been placed between the PowerPoint presentation area and the public. The Deputy Collector and Mamlatdar were also present to monitor the situation.
Activists, NGOs attend meet
Activists and representatives of various NGOs present at the meeting firmly stated that the Bhandara would not be accepted under any circumstances and that the people would not succumb to any pressure.
They clarified that their opposition is not to water supply but to the construction of the Bhandara.
Several NGOs and activists supporting the Mirabag villagers were present at the meeting and they included Rama Kankonkar, Manisha Uzgaonkar, Abhijit Prabhu Desai, Sudip Tamankar, SMC Councillor Meshu D’Costa, Sanket Bhandari, Appa Naik, Usha Naik and Pradeep Kakodkar.
