Assolda locals sniff victory as project proponent ‘agrees’ to drop jetty plan

Margao: Assolda residents, who opposed a proposed coal jetty in their village, appeared to be on the cusp of a significant victory after the project proponent relented under pressure and decided not to go ahead with the project at a meeting of the Goa state environment appraisal committee and the environment board in Panaji.

A senior officer said a heated exchange unfolded between the villagers and members of the board and committee during the meeting, with locals accusing the environment department of preparing a fraudulent survey report that skipped the presence of mangroves, forests, coconut groves, and agricultural fields at the project site.


While the project proponent said the jetty would generate livelihood opportunities for locals, the residents opposed it and said the project would cause irreversible environmental degradation and pose serious health risks.

Curchorem legislator Nilesh Cabral was also present at the meeting.

The development came days after a large number of residents from Assolda, Curchorem, Xelvona, Hodar and surrounding areas went on the environment department’s office in Panaji, demanding a review of the project. The protest in Panaji, which also saw the participation of state Congress president Amit Patkar, followed the environment appraisal committee’s recommendation of environmental clearance for jetty projects at Bag-Xelvona and Hodor.

During that protest, a delegation confronted environment director Sachin Dessai with Google Maps showing thick vegetation and mangroves at the site, demanding action against officials who submitted what they called a “fraudulent” survey report.

After the meeting on Friday, the Assolda residents said they were awaiting the official minutes of the meeting and an official order before declaring victory.