Protest Over Zuari Dam Project Rocks Goa Assembly; Four Detained

Tensions flared near the Goa Legislative Assembly on Monday as protests erupted against the proposed dam project on the Zuari River. Police detained four protesters who had gathered to voice opposition to the project, which has triggered growing concerns among residents.

The demonstrators were part of a larger agitation taking place in Goa against the planned dam at Mirabag village in the Kushawati region. Villagers and activists claim the project could lead to the submergence of hundreds of homes and significantly disrupt local livelihoods.

According to protest leaders, residents of Mirabag have been staging a sit-in demonstration for the past 25 days, demanding that authorities reconsider the project. The villagers fear that once the reservoir is constructed, nearly 500 houses could be inundated, forcing families to leave their homes and ancestral land.

Protesters attempted to draw the attention of lawmakers by demonstrating near the Assembly complex while the session was underway. Police intervened to prevent the protest from escalating and detained four individuals for allegedly violating security restrictions near the legislative building.

Local residents say the dam project threatens not only residential areas but also agricultural land and forests that many families depend on for their livelihood. They have demanded transparency from the government regarding the environmental and social impact of the project.

Officials, however, have said that the dam is being proposed as part of a broader plan to improve water management and ensure reliable water supply in several parts of the state.

The issue has now become a matter of debate in political circles, with opposition leaders raising concerns about the displacement of villagers and calling for detailed environmental and rehabilitation assessments before the project moves forward.

Meanwhile, the protesters have vowed to continue their agitation until the government addresses their concerns and provides clear assurances regarding the fate of affected families.