TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PONDA: Resumption of laterite stone quarry operations that had stopped some two years ago has angered the villagers from Dhansade-Torle, Shiroda.
The villagers claimed that the quarry has restarted a few days back allegedly due to political backing. Though couple of years back, villagers claimed that the stone quarry operation was stopped following several complaints from locals, however this time around, villagers claimed that authorities are least bothered to pay heed to their complaints.
“We are facing several problems and our only demand is to stop the stone quarry. The stone quarry operation was stopped in 2011 following complaints from the villagers. However few days back, the quarry operation has resumed,” claimed a villager, Rajesh Naik.
“Apart from noise pollution, there is also a problem of dust pollution. The quarry is located along our fields and there is a danger of some one falling in the quarry in the absence of a protective wall,” added Naik.
Dhansade-Torle has about 20 houses and villagers claim that their voice is being suppressed by some politicians.
“Our elected representatives are least bothered and assurance from the authorities to take action on illegalities is eyewash,” said villager, Dasharath Naik.
Another villager, Priti Naik, said: “We had high hopes from the present government, but to our dismay the government is not doing anything fruitful.”
When contacted, Shiroda Sarpanch Sandesh Prabhudessai claimed ignorance over the controversial laterite stone quarry, but admitted that a complaint has been received.
“I’m not aware about the laterite stone quarry. The panchayat has received complaint and we will soon issue notices to the parties concerned,” informed Prabhudessai.
