Goemkarponn desk
BORIM: Residents of Betkiwada Borim, have opposed the move for a new ISKCON project on their land.
The villagers say that the hill behind this village will be destroyed for the project. They say that the hill behind the Betkiwada village in Borim is very important to the villagers.
The rain water which flows down from this hill to the village ponds is used by the people for irrigation, drinking and other house hold practices.
“If any construction happens on this hill then we won’t get water even to drink, as there are no taps in our houses. We use the water which flows down from this hill to our ponds for our agricultural fields, for drinking and other household purposes. And this is the main reason behind opposing this project,” said a villager.
An elderly villager says “We have preserved this place for our future generations. Although there have been some illegal construction in this area. However, if we don’t oppose this project now, our future generations will suffer.”
Rahul Naik, a villager said they are not against ISKCON but opposing the destruction that will take place to complete this project.
“This hill will be completely destroyed, and as the result the wildlife here will be affected. The leopards are already attacking the dogs and other animals in the village. However, we have to know that the one who is supposed to be blamed is the human kind for destroying their lands and not the animals. The Government should think 10 times before granting permissions for such projects in the forest areas,” he said.
He further said that the main reason behind the opposition is the water.
“The Shiroda MLA is also supporting this project. Despite our applications, we have not got any documents under RTI,” Naik added.
Naik said the panch should have informed locals much before, but nothing was done.
“Now as the villagers came forward and are opposing this project, the panch has promised to be with the villagers. I request all the villagers to come together and oppose this project for the betterment of the village.” he further added.
Another elderly villager said, “I have heard about the road widening in this area. But if the road is widened then our land, our houses will be affected. I don’t want the land to be given to anyone. Also, if the project comes up, then the rain water will directly come down on our roads.”
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