Sanguem
Residents of Mirabag and Falnem wards in Sanvordem village are deeply concerned about the ongoing construction of a bhandara across the Zuari River at Mirabag.
Villagers are worried that their agricultural land could be flooded, and their homes may face a higher risk of flooding if the Water Resources Department (WRD) goes ahead with the project despite local opposition.
The villagers claim that the WRD contractor has allegedly encroached on private property, threatening their agricultural plantations.
One resident shared that last year, the overflowing Zuari River caused significant damage to their homes due to water entering their houses. They are now afraid that the construction, which is only a few metres from their homes, will make the situation worse.
The villagers also said that the WRD has not engaged with them or provided any details about the project in their village.
Panchayat member Sanjay Naik questioned why the construction continues despite over 90 percent of local residents opposing it.
He highlighted that the panchayat had issued a stop-work order to the WRD, but this has been ignored, showing a lack of respect for the local governing body.
Naik stressed that the villagers and the panchayat have a right to be informed about developments in their village.
He also pointed out that there are no signs indicating which authority or agency is behind the construction work, leaving the public unaware.
Naik said he plans to raise the issue with Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar and seek intervention to address the villagers’ concerns.
