Mulgao villagers storm mining site, stop operations

Bicholim: A mob of 50 Mulago locals on Monday stormed the Vedanta Sesa mine atop a hill in the village to stop operations.

The villagers demanded that night shifts be stopped and govt demarcate a buffer zone in accordance with the Regional Plan 2021. Maheshwar Parab, president of Mulgao comunidade, said that despite repeated demands, the mining company not only continued to ignore them, but forcefully restarted mining.


“The company has dumped ore everywhere, and several trees are being felled. We decided to stop mining activities. We will do it again, if they try to resume operations during the night,” Parab said.

Putulo Gad, a local, said the mining company has been testing the patience of the people. “If anything goes wrong, it will file an FIR against us. But this time we will not back down. Our houses, water bodies, farms and village ecology are at stake,” Gad said.

Vedanta Sesa Goa issued a statement that all its mining operations are carried out within the framework of the regulatory clearances. “Vedanta Sesa Goa remains committed to responsible mining, transparent operations, and constructive engagement with all stakeholders,” its statement read.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !