Team Herald
MARGAO: Velsao residents accused railway officials of breaking their promises as heavy machinery and stone metal dumping resumed in Primeiro Vaddo, causing significant damage to centuries-old heritage homes. The move has left villagers feeling betrayed and questioning the credibility of the state administration and the railways.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The confrontation began when railway officials, contractors, and armed railway police arrived at the site, accompanied by Verna police.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) attempted to pass through a temporary blockade set up by villagers, using a heavy compactor to level mud dumped earlier. Residents claim the machinery’s vibrations are severely damaging heritage houses on both sides of the tracks.
Sandra Rodrigues, a local resident, expressed her frustration. “Yesterday, in the presence of South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes, the magistrate promised that only four truckloads of mud would be dumped away from our homes, and no further work would proceed. We also highlighted how heavy compaction machinery was damaging our 400-year-old heritage houses. Based on this assurance, we lifted the blockade, and the police left. But by yesterday evening, they resumed work, and today, they brought heavy compactors and started dumping stone metal. We’ve lost all faith in the administration,” she said.
Villagers had temporarily lifted their blockade after Friday’s assurances but now feel deceived. “They are towing away vehicles blocking their entry and using heavy machinery without regard for the damage to our homes. This isn’t just about land; it’s about our history and heritage,” said another resident.
The use of heavy compactors has raised significant concerns among the community. Residents fear the continuous vibrations will further weaken their centuries-old structures, many built with traditional materials ill-equipped to withstand such disturbances. “These houses were built with lime and mortar, not concrete. The vibrations are causing cracks in walls and foundations. If this continues, these structures will collapse,” said a local, pointing to visible damage already appearing in several homes.
What particularly troubles residents is the apparent disregard for legal processes. Despite pending court cases challenging the railway expansion and a stop-work order issued by the local panchayat, construction continues under police protection. This approach has left many feeling that their legal rights are being deliberately undermined.
As tensions continue to rise in the coastal village, residents remain determined to protect their community’s heritage and future. “We will not back down. This is our land, history, and future. We’ll fight for justice,” said Sandra Rodrigues.
, as heavy machinery echoed in the background, continuing work that villagers believe threatens their centuries-old community.
For many in Velsao, the ongoing conflict symbolizes a struggle to preserve a way of life and architectural heritage that dates back hundreds of years. With each passing day of continued construction, the rift between local residents and authorities appears to be widening, raising questions about the government’s attitude towards heritage preservation.
