Pilgaon: Tension flared in Pilgaon village as locals halted iron-ore transport trucks plying on the main road, accusing a mining company of violating the ongoing monsoon transport ban. Villagers expressed concern that the heavy mineral-laden vehicles were making the roads slippery and hazardous for commuters.
Residents alleged that despite repeated objections from villagers, the Panchayat Samiti, and even past prohibitions, the company has continued ore transport in defiance of restrictions.
Local resident and lawyer Ajay Prabhu Gaonkar described the scale of monsoon transport as unprecedented and pointed out that the company had failed to comply with necessary legal requirements. He added that a Gram Sabha resolution passed on Sunday had clearly opposed such traffic, yet transport activity resumed.
Gaonkar further said that attempts by the company to wash the red-stained village roads were nothing but an eyewash aimed at avoiding disruption, while the community remained firm on its stand to safeguard safety and local rights.
