BICHOLIM, Oct. 11 -- Villagers of Surla in Bicholim taluka have strongly opposed moves to resume handling of a mineral dump that had remained untouched for nearly 35 years.

The dump is estimated to contain around 19.85 million tonnes of mineral ore, with villagers claiming that its estimated value is around Rs 4,500 crore. However, they said the government would receive only around Rs 200 crore from the handling of the dump. "Why should the environment and future of Surla village be put at stake for Rs 200 crore when the mineral is worth around Rs 4,500 crore?" the villagers questioned.

The villagers warned that any attempt to commence handling of the dump without taking them into confidence would face a major public agitation.

Accordi...