Serious environmental and regulatory violations have come to light at Survey No. 8/1 in Guddemol, Sanvordem, where a stone crusher has been illegally installed adjacent to the main road connecting Sanvordem to Molem and Darbandoda. The installation has triggered widespread anger among locals, who are now demanding urgent government intervention.
Before the stone crusher was installed, large-scale tree cutting and landfilling reportedly took place—activities allegedly conducted based solely on provisional permission from the local panchayat. However, such permission does not authorize construction, environmental clearance, or alteration of water bodies. The crusher has been constructed directly over a natural nallah (seasonal stream) that routinely floods during the monsoon, raising serious environmental and safety concerns.
A bridge that was previously constructed in the area to manage seasonal flooding has now been rendered ineffective, as the nallah has been illegally blocked and filled. Environmental experts warn that this could lead to significant flooding during the upcoming monsoon season.
The local panchayat, under scrutiny, claims it granted only provisional permission. Sarpanch officials now say an inspection will be carried out—but only after locals raised strong objections. This delay has led to growing frustration among residents, who argue that the panchayat failed to act proactively and only responds under public pressure.
“I feel there must be pressure from higher authorities which led to the panchayat issuing permissions to clear the space,” said local resident Swapnil Bhandari. “Pollution levels in the area have already risen, and we strongly oppose this new plant.”
Locals are demanding:
Immediate halting of all activity and sealing of the illegal stone crusher
An urgent site inspection by relevant environmental and planning authorities
Restoration of the natural flow of the nallah
Strict action against those responsible and any officials who enabled the activity
The incident has brought into focus the need for stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws and greater accountability from local governing bodies. As concerns mount, residents are calling for the intervention of the Goa Pollution Control Board and state-level authorities to prevent further damage.