Team Goemkarponn
SURLA: Villagers of Surla have taken to the streets to protest against the proposed handling of an ore dump belonging to the Salgaocar Mining Company, alleging that attempts are being made to remove the dump illegally. The villagers warned that disturbing the dump could pose a threat to the entire village and endanger the biodiversity that has developed in the area over the years. They have demanded that no work related to the dump be undertaken under any circumstances.
On Sunday, residents of the village united to stage a peaceful protest against the company. According to the villagers, the Salgaocar company began storing ore at the site, located in the heart of Surla, in 1983. Over time, concerns grew about the potential risks associated with the dump, prompting residents to raise their voices against its handling.
The villagers recalled that former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar had personally intervened in the matter and ordered a halt to work related to the dump following their concerns.
However, reports that the company is once again preparing to remove the ore dump have renewed tensions, prompting villagers to launch their protest.
After learning about the agitation, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant appealed to the residents through a video message to present their demands without resorting to protests. He assured them that a decision on removing the dump would be taken only after their demands had been heard and they were satisfied with the outcome.
In his video message, Sawant also clarified that the government had not issued any permission to the Salgaocar company for handling the ore dump.
Welcoming the Chief Minister’s assurance, the Surla villagers expressed confidence in his commitment to safeguarding their interests. They said they believed Sawant, whom they regard as a political disciple of late Manohar Parrikar, would follow a similar approach by prioritising the welfare of the local community.
The villagers further stated that their protest was intended to send a clear message that the people of Surla should not be taken for granted. They alleged that companies entering the village often make the mistake of underestimating the local residents and warned that such an approach would not be accepted in the future.
The villagers reiterated their demand that the ore dump should not be handled without addressing their concerns and ensuring the safety of the village and its surrounding environment.
