Ponda: Farmers and villagers of Dharbandora objected to the proposed IIT Goa campus on the land of the Sanjivani Sugar Factory, warning of protests if the project proceeds.
Congress Sanvordem block president Sanket Bhandari said neighbouring landowners recently received government notices regarding land acquisition for the project, which revealed that the IIT is planned on over 10 lakh square metres, including the sugar factory area.
“Sugarcane farmers are completely against the demolition of the factory. This is their only livelihood,” Bhandari said, while speaking to the press outside the sugar factory.
He alleged that the BJP government is pushing large projects into villages without consulting locals or informing panchayats.
“The government had promised to revive the sugar factory, but now they plan to replace it with the IIT campus. How is that fair to the farmers waiting for the factory to resume?” he said.
Bhandari said around 400 villagers have signed a letter opposing the IIT project, which has been sent to President Droupadi Murmu.
