Team Goemkarponn
CAVREM: A large-scale ecological crisis is believed to be unfolding in the forested belt of Camona–Cavrem in the Sanguem constituency, Quepem taluka, where dozens of unauthorised laterite quarries are reportedly operating without any oversight.
Residents allege that nearly 42 illegal laterite extraction sites are functioning deep inside the forests, continuing unabated due to a powerful nexus involving local authorities. According to villagers, the operations are allegedly being enabled by the area’s Sarpanch and shielded by a network of officials across multiple departments. They claim that personnel from the Forest Department, Police, Mamlatdar’s office, Deputy Collector’s office, Mines Department, RTO, Traffic Police, Talathi and even the local Panchayat Secretary are complicit in allowing the illegal trade to flourish.
Locals further report that an inspection attempt by the Mines Department a few days ago ended abruptly, with officers allegedly pulling back under pressure from influential individuals referred to as “godfathers.”
Residents say operators of these unauthorised quarries are reportedly paying around ₹1 lakh per machine each month to secure protection and ensure uninterrupted mining activities.
Quepem Mamlatdar Nathan Afonso, however, stated that only 15 quarries fall within his jurisdiction. He added that he has already registered a complaint with the police and stressed that police authorities should have acted on their own against the illegal units.
The situation has triggered growing concern among locals, who warn that the ongoing operations are causing extensive environmental degradation in the region.
