Claim site is just 30 metres from residential houses and agricultural land, raise safety and livelihood concerns
Villagers from Falnem and Mirabag in Sanvordem opposing the construction of a bandhara by the WRD in the village on Sunday.
SANGUEM
Villagers from Falnem and Mirabag in the Sanvordem village panchayat have strongly opposed the construction of a bandhara by the Water Resources Department (WRD) in the village.
At a meeting held in the village, local panchayat member Sanjay Naik highlighted that the proposed bandhara site is located a mere 30 metres from residential houses and agricultural plantations, and claimed that the construction would severely impact their lives and potentially threaten their continued existence in the area.
Speaking further, Naik revealed that the WRD had initially planned to construct the Bandhara in Mirabag. However, strong opposition from villagers — citing potential damage to homes and agricultural land — led to the cancellation of the project at that location.
The WRD has now shifted the proposed site to a location between the Mirabag and Falnem wards which is in the heart of the village, informed Sanjay Naik. He claimed that the new site is in close proximity to a densely populated area, posing the potential for significant disruption.
Another villager, Anand Naik, questioned the rationale behind the project at the current site, stating that it would not provide any discernible benefits to the community. This raises concerns about the necessity and planning of the project.
Villagers have expressed their dismay at the WRD’s apparent failure to consult the local community and the panchayat before proceeding with the project.
This lack of engagement has fuelled suspicion and resentment among the residents.
Panchayat member Sanjay Naik further pointed out the absence of any signboard or notification at the proposed construction site from either the WRD or the contractor. This lack of transparency regarding the project details has further compounded the villagers’ doubts about its legitimacy and intentions.
Residents’ concerns primarily revolve around the close proximity of the proposed site to their homes, the perceived lack of benefits, and the absence of proper consultation and transparency from the WRD.
The villagers’ past success in halting the project at its initial location in Mirabag suggests a determined resistance to the current proposal as well. The lack of official information at the site further exacerbates the situation and undermines trust between the community and the concerned authorities.
