Team Herald
PANJIM: Pledging to put a full stop on ore transportation by Vedanta though their village roads, Pilgao and Sarmanas farmers intensified their protest on the 25th day by hitting the streets along with their families, on Thursday.
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They alleged that Vedanta is trying to use village roads to transport iron ore, which is against the High Court judgment.
Apuli Prabhugaonkar, a farmer, said, “The mining company has been cheating us. In 2011, they promised to pay us compensation, but it has been over a decade we are yet to receive anything.”
Local resident Sunanda Volvoikar said, “There are 35 houses in my ward which are affected by dust pollution whenever any vehicle passes by. We will not allow transportation of ore. We have only two demands – resolve the workers issue and pay compensation.”
Amita Salelkar, a villager spoke about how some people were trying to create a division, but the agitators stood united in their fight against ore transportation.
Lina Salelkar, another villager, said, “Mining company workers have been forced to sit at home, while agriculture has been destroyed. Once the transportation of ores commences, it will create problems for us. Our houses and fields have been destroyed. We have incurred so much loss.”
When O Heraldo contacted Director of Mines and Geology Narayan Gad, he said, “The issue of transportation is being addressed by the government. I am hopeful of an amicable solution.”
When contacted, Vedanta sources confirmed that ore transportation was yet to start and that the company would make an announcement when it happened.
