Daijiworld Media Network – Margao
Margao, Apr 5: Residents of Naqueri-Betul staged a silent protest on Friday outside the South Goa Collector’s office, demanding immediate action against Hughes Precision Manufacturing Ltd, following the fire and explosion at its propellant storage magazine on March 20.
Led by Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa and local panchayat leaders, the protestors, armed with placards and banners, questioned the delay in revoking the company’s licence and sought clarity on the cause of the explosion that shook the Naqueri plateau.
More than two weeks have passed since the incident, but villagers say no concrete steps have been taken by authorities to ensure public safety or to investigate the cause of the fire. The locals are particularly concerned about the 11 tonnes of hazardous propellant still stored in Magazine No 2.
“The delay has raised serious doubts about whether attempts are being made to hush up the incident,” said MLA D’Costa, while addressing the collector in a closed-door meeting that followed the protest. He urged the authorities to act on the written complaint submitted by the local panchayat seeking the cancellation of the company’s licence.
Sarpanch Pritam Deulkar, deputy sarpanch Damas Silva, and panchayat members joined the call for immediate removal of the hazardous material and sought action to prevent contamination of nearby springs and rivulets, especially with the monsoon approaching.
Environmental activist Charles D’Silva questioned if Hughes Precision had complied with the conditions set by the district administration, and if not, what penal action had been taken. Residents fear the effluents from the combusted gunpowder could endanger water sources in the area.
District collector Egna Cleetus, along with additional collector Srinet Kothawale and other senior officials, held discussions with the delegation. While assurances were given that the matter is under inquiry, villagers are demanding swift and transparent action.
The collector’s office is yet to release an official statement regarding the status of the investigation or any regulatory steps against the company.