-- Samir Umarye
BICHOLIM: The Pilgao Gram Sabha on Sunday amid chaos and confusion unanimously resolved that they would not allow mining firm to operate in the village during the monsoon season. The Pilgao Gram Sabha was held on Sunday which was attended by about 100 people from the village. The meeting was specially called to discuss the issue of mining in the village. During the meeting the people along with the panch members had a long discussion over the issue and many demanded that the operation, especially the transport of mining trucks should be banned during the monsoon season. It my be stated that Pilgao village which also consists of Sarmanas there is heavy flow of mining traffic and several people traveling towards Sarmanas face problem of dust pollution because of the mining transport. During rainy season it almost becomes impossible to travel on the road by two wheelers. The people sighting several examples demanded that all the transport should be banned during monsoon and relieve the commuters. Some of the truck owners who were also present for the meeting raised strong objection over this and asked the panchayat not to take one sided decision. "We depend entirely upon the transport and we are already running into loss and if such decisions are taken than if will only worsen our situation" a truck owner told expressing his strong opposition for banning of the mining. At this point the mob became furious and told that all cannot suffer just for the benefit of few. Another person from the village told the panchayat to take the decision only after consulting some legao follow the rules. As the situation was going out of control a panch, Anil Naik tried to pacify the mob and told that he has given a list of demands to the mining company and if they accept atleast four demands than they could allow the transport. This was strongly opposed by the people and also the other panch members. Later it was unanimously resolved not to allow the mining transport in Pilgao till 15th September. The issues of sand extraction, gutter system and other issues also came up for discussion.
