Goemkarponn esk
MULGAO: People of Mulgao-Bicholim have threatened not to allow operation of mining lease until their houses are removed from the lease area.
In a largely attended public meeting at Mulgao today, villagers demanded that 164 hectares land consisting of houses and temples should be removed from the lease area before mining starts in this mining block.
There are 230 houses, 14 temples, 4 schools and 3 lakes coming under the lease area auctioned by Goa government as per villagers.
The villagers said highlighted the dire threat faced by the 16,000 sq meter lake, highlighting its role in sustaining local fields and agriculture.
“The impact of mining sludge since 2012 has disrupted farming, prompting the need for action to protect communal resources,’they said.
During the meeting, the villagers also lamented the devastation that the mining operations have brought upon all the three lakes in the village, which have been vital water sources for farming and the community.
The villagers also claimed that their resolute stance of the Mulgao residents underscores their commitment to safeguarding their communal heritage in the face of pressing mining concerns.
