Team Goemkarponn
Pilgaon: Mineral transport trucks were halted by local villagers on the Pilgaon main road, highlighting ongoing concerns over illegal mining activities during the monsoon season.
Despite an official ban on mineral transport during this period, large-scale movement of minerals continues, making the roads slippery and hazardous for residents.
Locals have repeatedly protested against such transport in the past, but mining companies have largely ignored these concerns.
Speaking to the media, local villager and lawyer Ajay Prabhu Gaonkar said, “Such large-scale mineral transport during the monsoon is unprecedented. The mining company has not adhered to legal regulations, and local warnings have been consistently ignored.”
He added that the Gram Panchayat had passed a resolution in the recent Gram Sabha to ban mineral transport on these roads. However, the company allegedly attempted to wash the red-stained roads to circumvent the resolution, a move that was noted as unusual compared to past practices.
Residents have expressed frustration over repeated violations, and the protest today underscores growing local anger against the mining company’s disregard for safety and legal regulations.
