Vociferously demand action against illegal sand mining
MAPUSA
In a strong show of environmental and civic concern, villagers of Siolim-Marna on Sunday unanimously resolved that all plans to increase coal handling, storage or transportation in or through Goa must be dropped completely.
The gram sabha also vociferously opposed the proposed nationalisation of six rivers in the State, calling it unconstitutional and detrimental to local livelihoods.
Raising the issue, resident Joaquim Barros said coal-related activities were severely polluting the air and endangering public health.
“PM 2.5 and ultra-fine particles of less than one micron in size are deadly. They cause severe respiratory diseases, COPD, cancer and other life-threatening ailments,” Barros warned.
He further pointed out that coal infrastructure projects – such as the double-tracking of railways, expansion of NH 17B and NH 4A and dredging of rivers – would devastate Goa’s ecology and traditional livelihoods.
“These projects involve destroying villages, settlement areas, paddy fields, khazans, water bodies and village roads. Indigenous farming, fishing and traditional communities will be displaced in the process,” he cautioned.
Opposition to river nationalisation
The gram sabha unanimously rejected the Centre’s move to nationalise six Goan rivers – Zuari, Mandovi, Sal, Chapora, Mapusa and Cumbharjua – declaring that the rivers belong to local communities with sovereign rights over their bandhs and khazans.
“The proposed nationalisation is unconstitutional, unlawful and against public interest. These rivers must be deleted from the Schedule of the National Waterways Act, 2016,” the villagers resolved.
Barros added that Goa’s rivers are lifelines for thousands who depend on them for agriculture and fishing.
“Our agricultural and fishing practices, developed over thousands of years, have maintained the ecological balance of our river systems,” he said.
Focus on local governance
During the meeting, resident Gregory D’Souza proposed the formation of a Water and Sanitation Committee at the village panchayat, a suggestion that was approved by the gram sabha.
D’Souza also called on the panchayat to write to the Anjuna Police urging regular night patrolling, citing a recent rise in robberies in Mapusa and nearby villages.
Illegal sand mining concerns
Villagers also raised concerns over illegal sand mining at Taricode, allegedly carried out throughout the night.
When Sarpanch Amit Morajkar asked residents to provide a written complaint naming those involved, the villagers expressed anger, demanding that the panchayat take suo motu action instead.
“The panchayat cannot expect villagers to play detectives. It is your duty to stop illegal activities,” one resident remarked.
The Siolim-Marna gram sabha concluded with strong calls for environmental protection, greater accountability from local authorities and proactive policing to ensure community safety.
