Tension prevailed near Bondvoll Lake on Wednesday after villagers stopped the digging of a borewell in the area, objecting to the project and demanding a re-survey before any further work is allowed.
Officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD), the Communidade, and the police reached the site following the protest. Residents expressed shock and disappointment that the WRD and the Santa Cruz Panchayat had reportedly granted permission for the borewell in February, despite villagers having earlier raised strong objections.
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According to locals, during a public meeting held on January 26, they had urged the government through their MLA, Rudolf Fernandes, to conduct a detailed re-survey of the area before approving any such project. Villagers pointed out that the issue remains pending with the government, making the grant of permission premature.
Residents fear that drilling a borewell so close to the lake could adversely impact water levels and the surrounding ecosystem. They reiterated their demand that no work should resume until a proper re-survey is carried out and the government gives a clear decision.
Officials present at the site assured villagers that the matter would be reported to higher authorities and that further action would be taken only after due consultation.
