Team Goemkarponn
MULGAON: Villagers of Mulgaon have issued a stern warning of a mass agitation against the proposed Vedanta mining project, giving the Bicholim Deputy Collector a seven-day deadline to correct the official minutes of a key meeting held with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on March 12.
A crucial meeting of villagers was held at the Shridevi Kelbai Temple in Mulgaon on Wednesday evening, where strong resentment was expressed over the alleged failure of authorities to record the Chief Minister’s directives in the meeting minutes.
The villagers said the omission undermines their concerns and demands discussed during the interaction.
A delegation, through the Mulgaon Panchayat, has submitted a formal letter to the Deputy Collector seeking necessary corrections in the minutes. Villagers warned that if no satisfactory response is received within seven days, they will be forced to launch a large-scale agitation.
Taking a firm stand, locals declared that they will not back down under any circumstances until their demands are met. Key demands include a complete ban on transportation of minerals during night hours and demarcation of the mineral block strictly in accordance with the Regional Plan 2021.
The meeting also resolved to intensify opposition by launching an awareness campaign across villages in ‘Block One’, including Mulgaon, Shirgao, Borde, Lamgao, Pilgao and Maye. Efforts will be made to unite all affected villages and mobilize residents for a major protest at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ground in Bicholim.
Villagers further pointed out that officials from the mining department had recently conducted measurements at three locations along the village boundary. However, locals reiterated that any demarcation must adhere to the provisions of the Regional Plan 2021.
Several villagers and representatives, including Prakash Parab, Manoj Gad, Naresh Parab, Putulo Gad, Sanjay Vazharkar, Jhilu Parab, Santosh Kerkar, Vijay Mandrekar, Vasant Gad, and Swapnesh Sherlekar, voiced strong opposition to the project and stressed the need for united action.
