Women at the Forefront of Mirabag Bandhara Project Protest in Goa
In a powerful display of grassroots resistance, women have taken center stage in the ongoing agitation against the proposed 50 MLD bandhara project at Mirabag, with their participation significantly outnumbering male protesters as the sit-in entered its fourth day on Friday. This mobilization highlights the critical role of women in local environmental and social movements.
Voices of Resistance and Unity
Saidnya Gaonkar, a villager, articulated the collective resolve, stating, "When the village faces any kind of trouble, all of its women unite and face it boldly. We will teach a lesson to whoever torments our village." She further emphasized, "We must embody the strength of Durga and Kali to fight those who come to destroy us. The entire village is up in arms—we will show them the power of women. Ignore our demand at your own peril." These statements underscore the deep-seated determination driving the protest.
Origins and Escalation of the Agitation
The protest began on Tuesday with traditional prayers to local rakhandars, uniting villagers from Mirabag and surrounding areas in opposition to the project. They fear it will lead to the devastation of homes, livelihoods, and water resources. The agitation gained momentum after the water resources department allegedly ignored repeated requests for a public presentation on the project's impact. Following a meeting on Wednesday involving deputy collector Milind Velip and a three-member village delegation, the WRD was directed to hold a public consultation. However, protesters remain steadfast in their demands.
Sanket Bhandari, a representative of the villagers, declared, "Our protest will continue until the project is scrapped," reflecting the uncompromising stance of the community.
Political and Community Support
The movement has garnered significant political backing, adding to its strength. Sanvordem sarpanch Chinmayee Naik confirmed that the panchayat revoked its conditional No Objection Certificate for the project. Former minister Vinay Tendulkar promised to raise villagers' concerns with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while former MLA Dipak Pauskar urged the chief minister to intervene and scrap the project entirely. On Friday, several activists visited the protest site to extend their support, further solidifying the agitation's reach and impact.
The overwhelming participation of women has added a new dimension to this grassroots movement, showcasing their pivotal role in advocating for environmental justice and community welfare in Goa.
