Bicholim: Residents of Piligao have unanimously demanded that the village panchayat direct mining companies to immediately stop night-shift operations in Sarmanas, citing inconvenience and safety concerns. The demand was raised at the Piligao gram sabha held on Sunday under acting sarpanch Umakant Parab Gaonkar.Villagers also opposed the continuation of mining during the monsoon and strongly objected to the company’s proposed flyover in the area.Panch member Mahesh Volvaikar highlighted problems caused by the frequent movement of mining trucks between Sarmanas and Piligao. He said the continuous movement of heavy vehicles had made the road dangerous for pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and other motorists.Gaonkar said the mamlatdar had directed the mining company to carry out operations only after cleaning the entire area, failing which the activities would have to be stopped. He said representations had already been submitted to the company twice, but no action had followed.Gaonkar assured villagers that another representation would be submitted to the company on Tuesday, Aug 18, seeking immediate action.The gram sabha was attended by panch members Mahesh Volvaikar, Anil Salelkar, Sandeep Salelkar, Gokuldas Gawas, Yatin Falkar, Krishna Sawant and Sharmila Walavalkar.
