MARGAO, Feb. 18 -- Team Herald

The Sao Jose de Areal panchayat has strongly opposed the proposed railway station in their village, citing concerns over environmental damage, loss of agricultural land, and threats to their way of life. A special Gram Sabha meeting was held, where villagers voiced their opposition, calling the project unnecessary and harmful to the predominantly agrarian community.

Residents argued that the railway station would destroy water bodies, green spaces, and disturb the peace in a village where Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities and farmers rely on agriculture. They pointed out that the village has already lost significant land to two existing railway lines and the Margao Industrial Estate. Additionally, they high...