Karapur villagers launch stir against mega project

Bicholim: Around 150 Karapur villagers,on Sunday, began an indefinite agitation under the banner ‘Karapur Gramastha Ekjuticho Aawaz’, demanding that the project by The House of Abhinandan Lodha be scrapped.

Villagers expressed concern that large-scale development would lead to the destruction of water bodies and felling of trees. Deepesh Talkar, a local, said once the project becomes a reality and residents move in, the village’s resources will come under strain. “Our water and power supply will be affected,” he said.

He added that the panchayat should have taken the gram sabha’s consent before granting permission. Another villager, Deepraj Mandrekar, said the agitation will continue until their demands are met.

Gaurish Ghadi said the village is already facing water shortage and allowing the project will worsen the situation. Social activist Swapnesh Sherlekar said they would approach the highest authority in the country if needed to get the project cancelled. Siddhesh Tari , a local, said villagers must remain united until their demands are fulfilled.

The protest was joined by some Congress functionaries, who alleged that town and country planning minister Vishwajit Rane and his wife Deviya are backing the project. They demanded that chief minister Pramod Sawant ensure permissions granted to the project are revoked.

Panch member Ujwala Kavlekar and activist Ajay Prabhugaonkar also joined the protest.
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