Bicholim: The gram sabha of Surla panchayat held on Sunday, villagers alleged that a mining company operating in the area has been purchasing large scale of land in the village over the years.They suspected that nearly 60% of land owned by bhatkars (landowners) has already been acquired by the company, including paddy fields, coconut plantations, orchard lands, cashew plantations, and other agricultural properties.Questions were also raised as to why the mining company requires agricultural and plantation land. Villagers present urged the panchayat to take serious note of the matter and hold discussions with the company. They warned that failure to act could lead to the destruction of the village’s agricultural base. At the gram sabha that continued late into the evening, villagers raised concerns over alleged illegal land acquisition, unauthorised activities, labour-related issues, and several other local grievances.Demanding to regularise local workers at Alcon cement factory, villagers alleged that they have been facing undue hardship due to the functioning of the Alcon cement factory, which has been operating in Surla for several years. They claimed that issues related to pollution, illegal activities, and labour concerns have been persisting, while the panchayat has not extended the expected support in addressing these matters.A key demand raised during the meeting was the regularisation of local workers who have been employed at the company for several years. Villagers expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved if chief minister and local MLA Pramod Sawant intervenes.
