Team Herald
BICHOLIM: Locals and farmers from Sarmanas and Pilgao halted the transportation of iron ore in their villages on Wednesday. In the evening, the villagers escalated their protest by erecting a wooden fence and a hut to block the route.
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They warned that no trucks carrying ore would be allowed to pass until their demands were met. Upon receiving information about the protest, Bicholim Deputy Collector Rohan Kaskar, Mamlatdar Pravin Gawas, and the Joint Mamlatdar arrived at the scene to pacify the agitated villagers. However, the protesters were firm in their resolve and refused to back down until a decision was taken.
Sarpanch Mohini Jalmi stated, “We will not allow our fertile land to be destroyed,” highlighting that the transportation of ore was causing significant pollution. She received support from villagers, including Ujwala Betkikar, Chetan Khodginkar, and Swapnil Phadte.
Although negotiations were underway, the transportation of minerals remained completely halted throughout the day at both locations.
