Daijiworld Media Network- Bicholim

Bicholim, Jul 20: The villagers of Mulgao voiced strong resentment against the government's inaction regarding mining buffer zone demarcation, during the gram sabha held on Sunday. In a unanimous resolution passed at the meeting, locals demanded that houses, temples, and water bodies be excluded from the mining buffer zone in line with the Regional Plan 2020-21.

This is not the first time the village has raised the issue. A similar resolution had been passed earlier as well, but villagers alleged that their appeals have fallen on deaf ears.

Speaking at the gram sabha, Sarpanch Manasi Kauthankar informed that despite multiple representations sent to the Department of Mines and Geology, no concrete action has been taken to implement the buffer zone as per the updated regional plan. She added that the mining company has, however, initiated the process of compensating affected farmers.

Mulgao communidade president Maheshwar Parab came down heavily on the government, accusing it of neglecting the genuine concerns of the villagers. He warned that the locals may resort to an indefinite agitation if their demands are not met soon. “We have also sought a meeting with the Bicholim deputy collector to discuss the matter in detail,” he stated.

Parab further informed that after repeated requests, the government has sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the renovation of the children’s playground, but the panchayat has failed to take follow-up action.

Another major concern raised during the meeting was the illegal construction of a ready-mix concrete plant near the irrigation canal by the water resources department. Locals urged the panchayat to immediately halt the project, claiming that no proper permission was obtained.

Former sarpanch Santosh Saraf highlighted the impact of mining activities on residential areas. “Continuous excavation has caused water seepage into homes, forcing residents to wear slippers indoors. Several houses have developed cracks, yet no compensation has been given either by the mining firm or the authorities,” he said, urging the panchayat to act swiftly.

The gram sabha concluded with a strong message — the villagers will not remain silent if their safety, heritage, and livelihoods continue to be overlooked.