JOSEPH FERNANDES
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KHANYALE, DODAMARG: For six consecutive days, the villagers of Khanyale, Dodamarg in neighbouring Maharashtra have been protesting against relentless quarry blasting near the Tillari Dam—a joint project between the governments of Goa and Maharashtra that serves as a crucial source of drinking water and irrigation for both States.
O Heraldo visited the protest site to assess the ground reality, which poses potential risks of flooding and threatens Goa’s water security. Upon reaching the remote protest site deep within the village, locals expressed frustration over the authorities’ inaction. They highlighted that frequent quarry blasts have caused cracks in their homes and widespread dust pollution. Villagers fear that continued blasting could damage the dam, potentially triggering a catastrophic disaster for their village and surrounding areas, including parts of Goa. Despite their ongoing efforts, no significant intervention has taken place.
Vasant Naik, a local resident, voiced concerns about the risks. “The next blast could spell disaster for the entire region,” he warned. He emphasised that the villagers would not end their protest until they received a written assurance that quarry operations would cease.
“Any problem here will also impact Goa. If we don’t stop this now, the future of both our village and neighbouring areas will be at risk,” he warned.
Residents accused their local MLA of siding with the quarry project despite publicly claiming to oppose it. Many believe vested interests are influencing
his stance.
Villagers described how quarry operators drill over 60-meter boreholes filled with ammonium sulfate, intensifying the danger.
“The quarry operations have now encroached upon our village border. They drill boreholes over 60 meters deep, fill them with ammonium sulfate and carry out blasting, which we hear every day. The intensity of these blasts has caused cracks in our houses. So now, what are we supposed to do?” questioned the villagers.
In addition to safety concerns, the community faces heavy dust pollution from over 350 trucks transporting materials daily. Villagers told O Heraldo that dust from the quarry has coated their crops, reducing yields and damaging soil quality. Livestock have also suffered, with several animals developing respiratory issues linked to airborne particles. Residents fear that chemicals used in the blasting process could contaminate groundwater, threatening their primary water source.
“All we are asking from the government is support and action to resolve this issue. We are fighting to save our village from the heavy blasting at the stone quarry site,” said the villagers.
The environmental impact extends to the Tillari Dam, a crucial water source for Goa. Villagers warned that constant blasting near the dam’s structure could weaken its foundation, raising the risk of a catastrophic breach. “We are not just fighting for our village,” said a protester. “We are trying to prevent a disaster that could affect thousands.”
On the fifth day of the protest, some officials visited the site but failed to provide concrete solutions. They requested documents and promised a future meeting with a dedicated committee.
“This has gone on for 18 years,” lamented one protester. “We’ve had enough. We will not accept empty promises — only written assurances that blasting will stop.”
Villagers called on Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to visit the site and take immediate action.
“We have no faith that our government will take action—so far, they have done nothing,” they said, expressing doubts about the Maharashtra government’s willingness to intervene.
As O Heraldo departed from the protest site under the scorching sun, villagers remained in their tents, enduring the relentless heat. On the journey back to Goa, the intense pollution filling the air served as a stark reminder of the daily struggles the villagers continue to endure.
