DODAMARG: The chain hunger strike by villagers of Khanayale, Dodamarg entered the fifth day, on Monday. Today it was the turn of women to fast. Villagers are demanding a stop to the blasting and stone quarrying in the village. Several stone quarries are operating in the vicinity of the Tillari canal.
Kesarkar emphasized that the villagers should be part of the committee and disclose their greivances.
But the agitators said that they will continue their agitation and fast until the government gives a written statement in this regard and their demand that the mines be completely closed and not be restarted in the future, be met.
On Monday, the local Sawantwadi MLA Deepak Kesarkar met the protestors along with local government officials . MLA Deepak Kesarkar ordered that a team be formed with the Collector, local government officials and representatives of the people. The team should visit the areas and collect the complete information regarding the mines by conducting measurements.
Kesarkar emphasized that the villagers should be part of the committee and disclose their greivances. But the agitators said that they will continue their agitation and fast until the government gives a written statement in this regard and their demand that the mines be completely closed and not be restarted in the future, be met.
Nagraj Naik, Resident, Khanayale, Dodamarg said, “MLA Deepak Kesarkar has ordered the Collector to form a committee comprising local officials and villagers and inspect the quarries. But we will keep our chain hunger strike going till we get a written assurance.”
Vinita Gaude, Resident, Khanayale, Dodamarg, who participated in the chain hunger strike on Monday said, “The water from Tillari dam goes to Goa, but Goans should understand that if blasting takes place on the Maharastra side of the border, there is threat of the canal rupturing. If the rain water collects and overflows, it will flood Goa. The trucks carrying the stones use the main road posing danger to school going kids. Recently one youth was killed in an accident."
Talking about the health hazard, Gaude told media, "There is tremendous amount of dust which goes into people’s houses having a tremendous impact on the health. Till today the administration has ignored all this”