ASSOLDA, Goa — Residents of Assolda village will rally at the Goa State Pollution Control Board and environment board offices in Panaji on Monday. Their target: a recent recommendation by the Goa State Environment Appraisal Committee for environmental clearances on jetty construction at Hodar and Xelvona in Quepem taluka.

The committee advised the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority to approve a mining firm’s plans. Those include a 336-square-meter cargo handling platform, a 237-square-meter storage jetty and a 267-meter gabion wall to reinforce the existing river bund along the Zuari. Officials tied any approval to strict ecological and biodiversity conditions.

Locals erupted in anger at the news. They view the projects as a backdoor for coal transport through their community. The protest decision emerged from last week’s Assolda gram sabha meeting. There, residents raised fears of severe health risks and environmental damage.

Pradip Kakodkar, a chartered accountant from nearby Curchorem and leading voice against the jetties, pulled no punches. “The sole purpose of having a jetty at Assolda is for coal handling,” he said. Kakodkar slammed the official survey as riddled with errors. “There are a large number of coconut trees, mangroves, and fishing and agricultural activities here that will be destroyed by this jetty, yet the report is completely silent on all of this,” he added. “We condemn this misleading survey and demand that the land be resurveyed in the presence of the villagers.”

He called on a wide audience to join the march. “The harmful effects will not be limited to Assolda or Hodar — they will affect every person living within a 10 km radius,” Kakodkar warned. “Every resident of Curchorem must take time off and participate in this march to Panaji to question the authorities.”

The Zuari River runs central to Goa’s industrial and ecological landscape. Jetty projects have sparked battles before, with communities citing air pollution from coal dust and threats to fisheries. Assolda villagers echo those concerns. They say coal operations would blanket farms and homes in black dust, poison groundwater and drive away fish stocks vital to their livelihoods.

Goa authorities have faced similar pushback in recent years. In 2022, protests halted a coal berth proposal at nearby Mormugao port after court intervention. Environmental groups point to mangrove destruction and biodiversity loss as common fallout from such developments.

The GSEAC recommendation surfaced last week. It followed site inspections and technical reviews. Proponents argue the jetties support legitimate cargo needs for mining leases in the area. But opponents like Kakodkar dismiss that as cover for dirtier operations.

Monday’s march starts from Assolda, roughly 35 kilometers south of Panaji. Organizers expect hundreds, drawing from Quepem, Curchorem and beyond. Police have yet to comment on traffic or security arrangements. The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority holds final say on clearances, often after public hearings.

Villagers hope the demonstration forces a rethink. They demand full transparency on surveys and impacts. Without it, they warn, legal challenges will follow.