Villagers opposing the brewery plant at Amdai village have now renewed hopes of seeing the plant shunted out from its precincts, primarily after the formation of the new government, with Vijai Sardesai, who opposed the project, having a big say in the decision-making process of the government.

After innumerable agitations, villagers were successful in not allowing the shifting and functioning of any machinery and apparatus designed to brew beer by Vani Agro Pvt. Ltd, to a grinding halt. Initially, the agitation was supported by Digambar Kamat and the present Minister for the TCP, Vijai Sardesai.

With the earlier government’s intention being clear and the project being supported by the ex-MLA from Sanguem Subhash Phaldessai, all possible efforts were put into place to set the ball rolling for the beer factory in the remote Amdai village on the bank of Sanguem River.

The project also comprises large tracts of coconut plantation interspersed with cashew & paddy cultivation.

In fact, efforts were made to resume the project just a month before 2017 Assembly elections. While the assembly elections were held in Goa in February, the Town and Country Planning Department probably acting on the behest of the political leader from Sanguem, is said to have cleared the approvals for the construction of the beer factory.

Umesh Gaonkar who is leading the opposition for the project, said they were surprised to learn that permission for the construction was issued by the Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD), despite opposition from the general public and notwithstanding the fact that the matter was pending in the court.

According to Gaonkar the permission was issued when the election code of conduct was in force.

However MLA Phaldessai’s defeat in the Assembly elections has certainly slowed down Vani Agro’s plans, especially since the new independent MLA Prasad Gaonkar, is backing the local villagers in their fight against the project