PANAJI
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Patkar on Sunday extended full support to villagers agitating against the controversial minor irrigation project at Mirabag-Sanvordem.
Patkar visited the protest site and accused the BJP government of pushing the project without transparency.
Patkar highlighted glaring inconsistencies in official records linked to the augmentation of the Panchawadi Minor Irrigation Tank.
He pointed out that the initial tender mentioned 30 MLD capacity, the administrative approval dated December 22, 2023 sanctioned 50 MLD, while the latest public hearing notice now cites 60 MLD.
“These shifting figures clearly expose the BJP government’s hidden agenda,” Patkar said and questioned who benefits from the escalation even as he demanded clarity on the final design and scope.
The GPCC president slammed the ruling party for ignoring local sentiments despite having what he termed a “triple engine government” with its own MLA.
“When the people themselves are opposing the project and asking genuine questions, why is the government bulldozing ahead without answers?” he asked.
The Congress Party issued a strong condemnation of what it described as an attempt to impose a project without accountability. It alleged that decisions were being taken behind closed doors while communities remained in the dark. The party demanded immediate public disclosure of the DPR, hydrological data, flood impact assessment, and all environmental clearances.
It also called for scrapping of the existing contract, which it termed anti-locals.
Patkar assured villagers that the issue would be raised forcefully in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
He accused the BJP government of sacrificing Goa’s land, water resources, and environment for vested interests.
“Development cannot be imposed through deception. It must be transparent, accountable, and in the interest of the people,” he said.
