Team Goemkarponn
SANVORDEM: Opposition to the proposed bhandara across the Zuari River at Mirabag gathered momentum on Sunday as residents of Mirabag–Sanvordem, joined by supporters from Curchorem, Sanguem and adjoining areas, staged a torchlight procession demanding that the project be scrapped.
Participants alleged that the plan is being advanced without the consent of the local community. They claimed the government has continued to push forward despite sustained objections from villagers.
The rally commenced with a brief prayer at Shri Purushmaru Devasthan in Curchorem. From there, the procession moved through key streets of the town before culminating at the Mirabag Bridge. Hundreds of people took part, carrying flaming torches and raising slogans against the proposed construction.
Sunday’s demonstration marked the twelfth consecutive day of protests against the project. Organisers said the agitation has been stepped up due to the absence of any official response to their demand for cancellation.
Addressing the gathering, Sanket Bhandari, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar and other speakers accused the BJP-led government of disregarding public sentiment. They argued that repeated representations seeking withdrawal of the proposal have gone unanswered.
The leaders further contended that the bhandara could have serious consequences, including damage to agricultural plantations, threats to homes situated along the riverbanks and the possibility of flooding a temple in the vicinity once the structure is built.
They also questioned the necessity of the project, stating that it was neither sought nor supported by local residents. Patkar remarked that citizens across the state are increasingly resorting to protests to make their voices heard, alleging that authorities tend to act only under public pressure.
Villagers from Mirabag reiterated that the project offers no tangible benefit to them. Instead, they fear it could result in economic hardship, particularly for farmers, and pose risks to properties located near the river if implemented.
