Margao Bandhara Project Protest Enters Second Day Amid Growing Tensions
The sit-in protest at Mirabag village in Margao against the proposed 50 MLD bandhara project continued into its second day on Wednesday, with villagers remaining steadfast in their demand to scrap the project entirely. The demonstration has garnered significant support from various political leaders, amplifying the community's concerns over the potential environmental and social impacts of the development.
Official Meeting Fails to Quell Villagers' Fears
In an attempt to address the escalating situation, Deputy Collector and SDM Sanguem Milind Velip convened a meeting with a three-member delegation representing the protesting villagers and engineers from the Water Resources Department (WRD). During the discussions, villagers highlighted a critical oversight: their repeated requests for a public presentation on the project had been consistently ignored, leaving them in the dark about its implications.
Sanket Bhandari, who represented the protesters, explained the core issue: "No public presentation about the project was held for the villagers, hence the villagers had no idea how the proposed project would impact the village." This lack of transparency has fueled resentment and distrust among the local population, who feel excluded from decisions affecting their livelihoods and environment.
SDM Directs WRD to Hold Public Presentation
In response to the villagers' grievances, SDM Milind Velip directed the WRD engineers to organize a public presentation at the earliest opportunity. This move aims to provide much-needed clarity and engage the community in the project's planning process. However, the villagers have made their position unequivocally clear, with Bhandari stating, "We won't allow any destruction of the river for the proposed project. We will continue our protest until the project is scrapped." This firm stance underscores their determination to protect their natural resources from perceived harm.
Political Leaders Rally Behind Villagers' Cause
The protest has attracted attention from political figures who have voiced their support for the villagers' demands. Zilla Panchayat member Mohan Gaonkar emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "Govt should either scrap the project, or have a consultation with the villagers before going ahead." He argued that villagers should have been taken into confidence about the project's impact from the outset, highlighting a broader issue of governance and public participation.
Adding to the chorus of concern, Sanvordem Sarpanch Chinmayee Naik expressed surprise at the resumption of activities at the project site, noting, "We were surprised that activities at the site restarted. The villagers don't want the project." This sentiment reflects a disconnect between official actions and community wishes, further complicating the situation.
In a significant development, former minister and MLA Vinay Tendulkar announced his intention to meet the Chief Minister to convey the villagers' apprehensions directly. This political intervention could play a crucial role in shaping the project's future, as leaders seek to bridge the gap between governmental plans and public sentiment.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Standoff
The protest at Mirabag village is not just a local issue but resonates with larger themes of environmental conservation, community rights, and transparent governance. As the standoff enters its second day, the villagers' resolve remains unshaken, with their demand for the project's cancellation at the forefront. The upcoming public presentation, as directed by the SDM, will be a critical juncture, potentially determining whether dialogue can replace dissent or if the protest will intensify.
With political backing growing and official directives in place, the situation remains fluid, highlighting the need for balanced approaches that consider both developmental goals and community welfare. The outcome of this protest could set a precedent for similar projects across the region, making it a closely watched event in Margao and beyond.
