Goa Bandhara Project Protest Escalates as WRD Engineer Gheraoed in Sanguem
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing agitation against a proposed bandhara project, residents of Mirabag in Goa took decisive action by gheraoing the assistant engineer of the Water Resources Department (WRD) in Sanguem. This confrontation resulted in a written assurance from the WRD that the excavated pits at the bandhara site would be filled, with work set to commence from March 3. The gherao represents the latest flashpoint in a simmering protest that has gripped the Mirabag-Curchorem region for several weeks, highlighting deep-seated community concerns over the project's impact.
Background of the Agitation and Previous Protests
The gherao incident follows a series of intense demonstrations that have marked the third week of this sustained agitation. Just days earlier, hundreds of residents stormed the Sanvordem panchayat office, demanding the immediate scrapping of the proposed 50MLD (million litres per day) bandhara project. During that protest, villagers accused elected representatives of complicity in a scheme that was thrust upon the community without any prior consultation or consent. This office storming occurred merely a day after villagers organized a torchlight procession from Curchorem to Mirabag, symbolizing their united opposition and growing frustration.
Core Concerns Driving the Protests
Residents have articulated multiple fears regarding the proposed barrage and the associated 50MLD raw water pumping station on the Zuari river. Primary among these concerns is the potential for severe flooding, which could devastate fertile agricultural land that many depend on for their livelihoods. Additionally, there are strong apprehensions about irreversible environmental damage, with villagers warning that the project could disrupt local ecosystems and water resources. A persistent grievance has been the unsafe condition of trenches dug by the bandhara contractor, which residents have flagged as a serious safety hazard, posing risks to both people and livestock in the area.
Outcome of the Gherao and Ongoing Demands
Following the gherao of the assistant engineer, the WRD issued a written commitment addressing one of the immediate safety issues: the filling of the hazardous pits will begin on March 3. However, residents have reiterated their core demand, which remains the immediate and unconditional scrapping of the entire bandhara project. The sit-in protest at Mirabag continues uninterrupted, with villagers actively pressuring panchayat members to either take a firm stand against the project or resign from their posts. This sustained pressure underscores the community's determination to see the project halted entirely, not just mitigated through partial measures.
Implications and Future of the Agitation
The agitation, now in its third week, reflects a broader struggle over development projects and community consent in Goa. The residents' actions highlight a growing assertiveness in demanding transparency and accountability from authorities. As the filling of pits is set to start, it remains to be seen whether this concession will quell the protests or if the movement will intensify further until the project is fully scrapped. The situation continues to evolve, with the potential for more confrontations if the core demands are not met, signaling a critical juncture for local governance and environmental stewardship in the region.
