Goemkarponn desk
SANGUEM: For the past two months, locals of Uguem have been protesting against illegal quarries operation at Baracahi Galli, in Uguem, Sanguem.
The voice against the illegal quarries grows louder with every passing day. The villagers said that the quarries are causing pollution in the village by discharging polluted water into nullahs that runs into the river.
Villagers say the quarry regularly blasts explosives, which also causes noise pollution and affects the nearby residents.
“The explosive impact has caused cracked walls in the nearby houses. Considering the health and environmental damage, the quarries must be immediately stopped,” say villagers.
Further, the locals said that some abandoned quarries are full of water, which has led to drowning incidents.
During his visit to Sanguem, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had assured that all activities in basalt stone quarries on government land that was earlier on Sociedade’s possession at Uguem would be stopped. However, still, the trade continues unabated, say villagers.
After protests through social media and media, Mines department officials visited the quarries to no avail.
Sanguem police inspector Pravin Gawas says that he has summoned quarry operators and asked them to submit all relevant documents and lease licence for verification.
Yesterday, on the other hand, Mines Department officials led by Sudhir Mandrekar said that in 8 days, quarry operation will be inspected again.
Deputy Collector of Sanguem, Sagar Gawade, said that along with the Mines department they inspected the related area in the presence of locals and quarry leaseholders.
“The department will submit a report within 10 days upon which action would be taken,” he said.
