PONDA: After the construction of the Mudder bandhara began under police protection on Friday, the residents of Mudder-Khandepar, particularly women in large numbers, met Minister Ravi Naik on Saturday, urging him to withdraw Section 144 and halt the construction of the drinking water bandhara.
The local women voiced their strong opposition to Section 144, asserting their determination to protect their village and homes.
Minister and Ponda MLA Ravi Naik acknowledged their grievances and assured them that he would arrange a meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the Water Resources Department Minister and officials to address their concerns and explore possible solutions.
The villagers recalled the devastating floods of 2021 and 1980, which forced them to seek refuge on hills. Minister Ravi Naik also reminisced about the 1980 flood and his visit to the flood-affected area in 2021. The locals expressed deep apprehension about potential floods and displacement due to the bandhara construction, which is being carried out with the imposition of Section 144.
They also voiced concerns about the impact on their livelihoods, particularly fishing activities.
Shashikala Gaude, along with other villagers from Murdi, highlighted that their area is prone to flooding every year during the rainy season, and vehemently opposed the bandhara project, fearing it would exacerbate flooding in the region.
Another local resident pointed out that the project had initially been proposed downstream on the border of Priol and Ponda constituencies, but due to opposition, it was shifted to Murdi.
They suggested that the project be relocated to the downstream area of Priol constituency. Villagers from Curti-Khandepar and even Sonarbaag in Usgao-Ganjem panchayat had passed resolutions against the project.
The locals alleged that the bandhara was meant for a mega project in Priol and advocated for its construction downstream at Savoi-Verem.
