Issue of water from pits entering homes also raised
Bicholim: Mining-related issues dominated the Mulgaon gram sabha held on Sunday, with villagers unanimously passing four key resolutions addressing the impact of mining activities on the village and its residents.
A major resolution demanding the marking of a buffer zone as per the Regional Plan 2021 was tabled by former sarpanch Vasant Gad and seconded by Krishnanath Parab. The resolution was passed unanimously.
Villagers told the gram sabha that water from deep mine pits enters nearby houses during the monsoon, causing damage and cracks to walls. Despite several reminders, the mining company has failed to address the issue, they alleged.
“The chief minister must intervene and ensure justice for the affected residents,” said local Maheshwar Parab during the meeting.
Another resolution moved by Gad and seconded by Parab demanded a ban on night shift mining operations, citing disturbances to village life. The resolution was passed unanimously.
A third resolution, moved by Prakash Parab, president of the Mulgaon Nagrik Kriti Samiti, and seconded by Surendra Gad, called for a follow-up on the issue of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) required from mining companies for house repairs and construction within mining lease areas. Parab said that though the Deputy Collector of Bicholim had earlier assured action, the matter remains unresolved. The resolution received full support from villagers.
In a fourth resolution, Gad demanded that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds be used solely for village development and not diverted for other purposes. Prakash Parab informed the house that some funds were allegedly being misdirected by local MLAs. The resolution, seconded by Krishna Parab, suggested a joint memorandum by the sarpanchas of Mulgaon, Pilgaon, Mayem, Shirgaon-Advalpal, and Mencurem to ensure CSR funds are used strictly for local development. The resolution was passed unanimously.
Sarpanch Mansi Kavthankar assured villagers that the panchayat stands with them in their struggle for justice. Deputy sarpanch Gajanan Mandrekar warned that if the mining company fails to act, villagers may have to launch an agitation. Other panchayat members present also took part in the discussion. Various other issues related to village development were also discussed.
