Goa Activists Seek Ban on Ore Handling at Kalem Near Mollem Sanctuary
A fresh public campaign has reignited the fight against a controversial ore handling proposal at Kalem Railway Station, situated inside Goa’s largest protected forest. Conservationists and citizens are urging the state’s Wildlife Board to reject the plan, warning of irreversible ecological damage. As the board prepares to reconvene, campaigners say the decision will test Goa’s commitment to forest and wildlife protection.
Located within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Kalem Station has become the centre of a heated debate. Environmental advocates say ore handling here would threaten fragile ecosystems and wildlife corridors. While the plan is backed by industrial and rail stakeholders, conservationists argue that it risks undermining decades of forest preservation efforts. The area’s biodiversity, already under stress, cannot absorb further industrial pressure, they caution.
Campaigners have launched a mass petition and public email drive aimed at members of the state’s Wildlife Board. The appeal urges them to reject what is being called an “environmentally destructive proposal.” Citizens argue that the move prioritises industrial transport over ecological integrity. With concerns about air and noise pollution, as well as watershed disruption, opponents say ore transport through Kalem would trigger cascading environmental consequences for Goa’s oldest forests.
Activists say alternative suggestions—such as a yard 2 km outside the sanctuary—fail to address the core issue. They argue that moving the location slightly does not eliminate pollution, as the transport route remains unchanged. Campaigners stress that extractive activities have no place within protected areas, no matter the logistical adjustments. Instead, they are calling for a clear policy commitment that keeps wildlife sanctuaries off-limits to mining-linked operations altogether.
There is also concern about how independently the board will act. Observers point out that railway officials participating in internal deliberations may sway decisions, turning the Wildlife Board into a passive body. Critics say the board must assert its role as a guardian of biodiversity, not a clearance facilitator. With strong online support and growing public pressure, environmental groups hope the board will prioritise conservation over commercial gain.
As the Wildlife Board prepares to revisit the Kalem proposal, campaigners stress that the choice is clear—either stand with Goa’s forests or open the floodgates to industrial encroachment. With online appeals pouring in, the public is watching closely. Conservationists believe the decision will set a precedent for how seriously India treats its protected areas in the face of economic pressure.
