TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
MAYEM: Villagers from Sanquelim have strongly opposed the setting up of a petrol pump on the banks of Valwanti river.
Villagers took unanimous resolution to oppose setting up of the petrol pump near the pump house situated on the banks of river Valwanti at Tulshimala-Sanquelim at a special meeting of villagers from Sanquelim and surrounding areas at Omkar Bhavan, Varchi Hali, Sanquelim, on Sunday.
A large number of prominent citizens from Sanquelim were present at the special meeting which was convened by former SMC chairperson Sunita Verekar.
On the occasion, Valwanti Sanwardhan Manch was formed under the guidance of former SMC chairperson Sunita Verekar.
Social worker Shyamsundar Karpe said it was a very serious issue and as such Sanquelim MLA Dr Pramod Sawant should look into the matter and oppose it. Senior citizen Manikrao Kanekar said the government is solely responsible for any illegality on the banks of the river. He also informed about the agitation he has undertaken against a bandhara which has been erected in river Valwanti.
Naresh Datye said they are not against the petrol pump, but are against the place which has been selected. Prof Anil Vernekar said nobody has the right to play with the free flow of water, while Samir Prabhu said there is one more proposal to install one more petrol pump at Morlem-Sattari, for which they should stand united. Social worker Vishnu Parodkar suggested setting up of Valwanti Sanwardhan Manch to protect river Valwanti.
Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar said setting up of the petrol pump on the bank of the river means playing with the life of the people. He accused the State government authorities of joining hands with the opposition while giving permission to the petrol pump.
“I am even ready to help the petrol pump owner financially if he falls short of money to shift to some other place,” said Kerkar while cautioning not to set up the petrol pump.
A unanimous decision to present a joint memorandum to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Opposition Leader Pratapsing Rane, MLA Dr Sawant, the petrol pump owner and the heads of departments concerned was taken at the meeting.
