PERNEM: The residents of Mandrem are up in arms against an alleged illegal hill cutting and a mega project coming up at Junaswada, Mandrem.
Social activist and villager Sanjay Barde warned that the locals would protest against the alleged illegality at the Mandrem Village Panchayat and demanded that the government stop the ongoing work immediately.
Mandrem residents have decided to corner the panchayat members and sarpanch on Monday and charged that they would in no way tolerate the destruction of the village bio diversity. According to the villagers, the entire pristine hill in the vicinity is being destroyed.
“The hill is rich in biodiversity and such illegal activity will not only destroy the flora and fauna but also our culture. We will be forced to adopt the northern culture as outsiders will rule over our future generations,” added Sanjay Barde.
The villagers have accused the government officials of being hand-in-glove with the outsiders only for pecuniary benefits. “Keep something for villagers, don't sell Goa to outsiders,” said a concerned villager.
The residents have warned the government to take immediate action to address their concerns, or else they would be forced to hold a protest against these alleged illegalities.