-- Samir Umarye
BICHOLIM: The Navelim (Bicholim) special Gram Sabha on Sunday resolved to observe 12-hour bandh in the village on Monday to demand closure of the pig iron plant at Amona for causing pollution. Hundreds of villagers at the gram sabha opposed the project and alleged that the company did not take any permission from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and Central Ministry for Environment and Forest (CMEF) before starting the project in the village. “All the villagers are united and no one should fall prey to the false commitments made by the company,” stated Sundar Gauns. He also appealed to the villagers to keep the village pollution free. “The company has illegally started the extension project in Navelim without obtaining required permission from the PCB and CMEF,” said Premanand Gawas. Another villager, Laxman Gawas, said the concerned authorities have failed to initiate action against the company. Premanand Naik, a villager, accused the company of violating rules while laying underground electricity wires. “The company has fooled the people by declaring this as the extension project, which in reality was a new project,” alleged Naik. Kalidas Gawas narrated how the company violated rules of the PWD by laying underground water pipeline illegally, while Pundalik Gawas accused the company of illegally trespassing into a Devasthan land. Sarvesh Gawas alleged that the company constructed 5-mtr tall retaining wall instead of 1.5 mtrs as assured. Meanwhile, State Shiv Sena President Ramesh Naik has extended his support to the Bandh on Monday. Former MLA Pratap Gauns also extended his support for the agitation. According to reports, the Bandh will start at 6 am and end at 6 pm. Schools, shops and all other institutions have been asked to remain close in protest against the company. It may be recalled that last week, soot emanating from the pig iron plant at Navelim spread in the village. The villagers alleged that continuous deposition of particulate matter stained their belongings and contaminated food and water. Some areas including Durigwada, Bharoniwada, Pelwada and Katarwada in Navelim were affected by the pollution. Later, the panchayat complained to the PCB and an inspection was conducted. As the villagers were not satisfied with the PCB, they convened a special Gram Sabha on Sunday.