Team Herald
PONDA: Voicing their opposition to the proposed bhandara project on Opa-Khandepar River, the locals of the tribal dominated areas of Murdi and Baga on Sunday said the area falls in CRZ and claimed that they were not taken into confidence by Tribal Welfare Minister Govind Gaude on the project.
At a public meeting held at Hanuman Temple premises, Baga-Khandepar, the locals said the river is eco-sensitive and rich in shell fish and the proposed bhandara will deprive them of their livelihood and will lead to flooding.
Panch Shravani Gaude, former sarpanch Supriya Gaude, Vilas Gaude, Shivanand Gaude, Anil Gaude and Satish Gaude were present.
Shravani Gaude said, “The Curti-Khandepar Panchayat revoked the NOC given for project following opposition from the locals as we too were not taken into confidence. We want the project to be scrapped as it will deprive the locals of their livelihood. We had submitted a memorandum to the WRD and Chief Minister opposing the project.”
Shivanand Gaude said, “During the high tide water reaches up to OPA water treatment plant. The bhandara will affect the livelihood of locals who are dependent on fishing. The river is rich in shell fish and other fish. The bhandara will lead to backwater flooding and submerging of fields. Instead the government should repair the natural nullah located here.”
Anil Gaude said, “If there is continuous heavy rain the village gets flooded. This will affect the ecology and cause flooding of the houses in the vicinity. The locals witnessed flooding in 1982. Around 300 tribal houses with around 1000 people will be affected due to the project.”
A local Satish Gaude said, “The EIA report does not show agriculture fields, availability of abundance of shell fish besides other fish in the river. The bhandara will also destroy vegetable Akur.”
Vilas Gaude said, “The Rs 106 crore project for water supply is not essential as the Ganjem water treatment plant will supply 10 MLD water to Priol and hence the bhandara project will be a waste of money.”
Tribal Welfare Minister Govind Gaude said, “Politicians with vested interest are instigating the people to oppose a beneficial drinking water project. The project will provide water to various parts of Ponda taluka including Khandepar. I will discuss the issue with villagers.”