Goa Chief Minister Cancels Mirabag Bandhara Project After 49-Day Protest
In a significant development, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met with the villagers of Mirabag on Monday and assured them that he would formally mark a note canceling the controversial Mirabag bandhara, a crucial water storage project. Following this assurance, the villagers, who had been protesting for 49 consecutive days, decided to call off their agitation.
CM's Direct Intervention and Public Commitment
Chief Minister Sawant stated, "I had a meeting with them where I told them that we are not building this bandhara. I have told them that the project has been canceled and that I will write a remark on the file saying this, and close it." He emphasized the weight of his public commitment, adding, "When the chief minister says something in public, there is value attached to it. A chief minister cannot say something and then go back on his word."
Sawant confirmed that all construction activities at the Mirabag site have been halted, and heavy machinery has been removed. He took full responsibility for the decision, asserting, "As the chief minister, I am taking the responsibility."
Key Demands Met by the Government
The villagers agreed to withdraw their protest after receiving multiple assurances from the chief minister. These include:
- The complete scrapping of the entire irrigation project.
- Filling up the two deep pits excavated by the Water Resources Department (WRD).
- Allocating Rs 4.4 crore to tar and resurface the road before the monsoon season.
- Withdrawing police cases filed against four villagers who protested in the assembly.
Background of the Protest and Government Response
Earlier, residents of Mirabag had threatened to intensify their agitation by marching to Azad Maidan in Panaji. In response, the government invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (BNS) Act to prohibit public gatherings. Interestingly, in 2017, the North Goa collector issued a notification designating Azad Maidan specifically for protests.
Villagers described the bandhara as a 'narkasur' that had to be burned, highlighting their strong opposition. As a precautionary measure, Goa police deployed personnel at Mirabag, Sanvordem, and Azad Maidan.
Villagers' Skepticism and Political Reactions
Despite Sawant's verbal assurances, protesters initially demanded a written confirmation from the government, citing betrayal on three earlier occasions. Sanket Bhandari, one of the villagers who participated in the protest, questioned, "If the CM says that the project is scrapped, then what is the problem in issuing a notification saying that the project has been scrapped? Instead, attempts are being made to suppress our democratic voice through prohibitory orders and Section 163, which are unacceptable."
Bhandari also reflected on the protest's success, stating, "A message has gone out today that when people come together, when Goa comes together, we can do anything."
GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai criticized the imposition of Section 163, describing it as evidence that the North Goa collector is "acting like a political stooge," which he deemed unacceptable.
This resolution marks a pivotal moment in community-led environmental and governance activism in Goa, showcasing the power of sustained public pressure in influencing government decisions.
