MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Amidst the ongoing protests in Loutolim against the proposed new Borim Bridge, villagers and farmers on Thursday demonstrated their commitment to both their cause and their community by organising a cleanliness drive at the protest site.
Anticipating the visit of government officials to demarcate land for the proposed bridge, a large contingent of villagers converged at the site, ready to voice their opposition. As the officials failed to turn up, villagers seized the opportunity to channel their energy into a positive endeavour, initiating a cleanliness drive.
Under the leadership of former Sarpanch Xavier Fernandes, villagers collected several bags of plastic bottles and other waste discarded near the agricultural fields. Their efforts were a powerful message to government authorities, conveying the villagers’ concern for the environment and the authenticity of their cause.
“We need to keep the surroundings of our fields clean to prevent waste from entering and causing hardships to the farmers,” said one of the villagers, stressing the importance of maintaining a clean environment for agricultural activities.
He appealed to others to join the effort to keep the area free from waste, particularly plastic waste, explaining its detrimental impact on both the land and the livelihoods of farmers.
