VELSAO: The villagers of Velsao along with former Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanah and Congress leader Olencio Simoes have halted the dumping of construction materials by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) for the controversial double-tracking project. Locals accused RVNL of encroaching on private land and attempting to create a coal corridor under the guise of railway expansion.
Residents strongly opposed the dumping of mud and construction debris near their heritage properties, fearing it would lead to landlocking and potential damage to their ancestral homes. Amid intense resistance, villagers forced the authorities to withdraw their machinery from the disputed site.
This confrontation adds to the ongoing tensions between locals and RVNL, as villagers continue to protest against projects they claim threaten their land, environment, and way of life.
Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha expressed her confusion regarding the current situation, noting that the land acquisition issue is under judicial review. She highlighted that construction materials are being deposited in the area in violation of legal regulations, urging the BJP government to address this matter promptly.