A renewed push to revive explosive storage at Naqueri has sparked strong opposition from villagers and local representatives, with residents of Betul and Naqueri, along with Quepem Congress MLA Altone D’Costa, gathering at the site during a joint inspection by government authorities.
The inspection followed an application by Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd seeking reinstatement of a No Objection Certificate (NOC), originally issued on November 12, 2024, for Magazine No 2. News of the move prompted villagers to assemble at the site, opposing any attempt to resume propellant storage.
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Residents said their opposition has remained consistent for over a year, with protests at multiple stages, including late-night gatherings when activity was suspected. They cited ongoing safety concerns and lack of clarity over past incidents as key reasons for continued resistance.
Villagers and local representatives asserted that explosives storage would not be allowed under any circumstances. D’Costa, along with panchayat members involved in the issue since last year, joined residents at the site, lending weight to the protest.
Speaking to reporters, D’Costa termed the move a misplaced priority and alleged the company had earlier stored propellant without proper authorisation. He claimed the current process appeared to be enabling a return of operations despite serious concerns.
The issue has also revived focus on the March 20, 2025 explosion and fire at the site, which caused panic in the region. More than a year later, questions over compliance lapses and regulatory oversight remain unresolved.
Villagers questioned why the investigation report into the blast, though submitted to the government, has not been made public. They said findings on the cause of the incident should be disclosed given its seriousness.
Post-blast inspections had flagged multiple violations, including lack of permissions under the Explosives Rules, absence of a panchayat construction licence, and land use without conversion approvals. Storage and handling practices had also come under scrutiny.
The district administration had kept the NOC in abeyance, citing compliance gaps. Though propellant material was later removed under court directions, the matter continues to remain under legal and administrative consideration.
Officials from the Deputy Collector’s office in Quepem, the Quepem Mamlatdar, Fire & Emergency Services, Forest Department, Cuncolim Police, PWD, Buildings Department and Town and Country Planning Department were part of the inspection.
The presence of multiple departments and the immediate mobilisation of villagers highlighted the sensitivity of the issue, which residents said directly affects their safety and livelihoods.
D’Costa further alleged that while inspection reports and post-fire findings were negative, they appeared to turn favourable at the government level, leading to clearances. He also raised concerns about a “backdoor entry” route through the Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board, warning of legal action, including approaching the High Court if needed.
Betul deputy sarpanch Damaso D’Silva echoed these concerns, alleging attempts to override local opposition and revive the project through alternative channels. He said the panchayat remains firmly opposed and would challenge any fresh permissions.
Residents also cited earlier court-linked action on site structures and opposition to licensing as reasons for their continued resistance.
With tensions persisting for over a year and fresh efforts to revisit permissions, the issue has escalated into a sustained confrontation between local opposition and authorities, with a legal battle increasingly likely.
