Team Goemkarponn
SANVORDEM: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar on Sunday visited the protest site at Mirabag and extended support to residents of Sanvordem opposing the ongoing project linked to the augmentation of the Panchawadi Minor Irrigation Tank.
Addressing agitating villagers, Patkar alleged serious inconsistencies in the BJP government’s records regarding the project’s capacity. He pointed out that the initial tender mentioned 30 MLD, the administrative approval dated December 22, 2023 sanctioned 50 MLD, and the latest public hearing notice refers to 60 MLD.
“These shifting figures clearly expose the BJP government’s hidden agenda. If the Minor Irrigation Tank at Panchawadi requires 50 MLD, on what basis has the capacity suddenly increased again? Who benefits from this escalation? What is the final design and actual scope of this project?” Patkar questioned.
He further alleged that despite having what he termed a “triple engine government,” the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership has failed to respect the sentiments of the people of Sanvordem and surrounding areas. “When the people themselves are opposing the project and asking genuine questions, why is the government bulldozing ahead without answers?” he asked.
The Congress strongly condemned what it described as an attempt to push a controversial project without transparency and accountability, calling it another example of “anti-people governance.”
The party has demanded immediate public disclosure of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), full hydrological data and flood impact assessment, all environmental and statutory clearances, and scrapping of the existing contract, which it termed controversial and anti-locals.
Patkar stated that the issue would be raised in the upcoming session of the Goa Legislative Assembly to hold the government accountable for what he described as inconsistencies and attempts to mislead the public.
“Development cannot be imposed through deception. It must be transparent, accountable, and in the interest of the people. The Congress Party will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Sanvordem until justice and clarity are delivered,” he said.
