NT Reporter
Curchorem
Villagers protesting the proposed 50 MLD bandhara at Mirabag in Sanvordem have rejected the Water Resources Department’s plan to hold a PowerPoint presentation on February 26 or 27, stating that their only demand is that the project be scrapped.
Responding to WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar’s statement about the proposed presentation, protest leader Upendra Naik said, “We never demanded a PowerPoint presentation. We said that we were provided no information about the bandhara, including any presentation. The MLD of the project differs from 30 to 50 to 60. We don’t want any presentation or information about the project. Our only demand is that the project be scrapped.”
Villagers from Mirabag and surrounding areas, who are likely to be affected by the project, will organise a mashal procession on Sunday. The procession will begin at Purushmharu temple at Baag-Xirfod, Curchorem, proceed towards the railway station, pass the police station, move to Shivaji Chowk and then head to Mirabag.
Meanwhile, Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai, who visited the protestors on Friday, said the government is trying to impose the project on Mirabag residents for monetary benefits, even though the people of Mirabag and Panchawadi do not want it.
“It is strange that this project is being brought by the WRD, whose basic function is to provide water for agriculture,” he said.
Sardesai said the WRD’s annual budget is about Rs 400 to Rs 500 crore and added that the bandhara is being constructed at a cost of Rs 400 crore, which he said is equal to the department’s yearly budget.
He said an expert would be appointed to study the project and its impact on the environment and local residents, particularly in view of reports of flooding in the area. “After receiving the report from expert, we will decide the future action plan. We have decided to stand by the villagers and support them in their agitation,” he said.
