Satara Villagers March Towards Mumbai Over Alleged Illegal Quarry Permits; Hold Symbolic Protest at District Border
Pune/Satara, 23rd July 2025: A massive protest march led by villagers from Kusgaon, Eksar, Boriv, and Vyahli in Maharashtra’s Satara district is drawing attention as it continues into its sixth day. The demonstrators, who began their march on July 17, are heading to Mumbai’s Mantralaya, demanding the cancellation of what they allege are illegally approved licenses granted to the Black Gem stone quarry and crusher operations near their villages.
The march reached the Neera River bridge on the Satara-Pune border today, where protesters staged a ‘dandvat andolan’ — a traditional form of resistance involving prostration — under a heavy police presence. Their determination was evident as entire families, along with livestock, travelled in bullock carts and tractors, prepared to cover the long distance unless their demands are met.
Allegations of Environmental Violations and Negligence
Villagers claim that the licenses for the stone crushing and mining activities were issued in 2022 without proper environmental clearances or the required approval from local gram sabhas. Despite repeated representations to the authorities — with evidence highlighting the area’s susceptibility to landslides as per Geological Survey of India (GSI) reports — no action was taken, they allege.
“We’ve made several representations and shared detailed documentation, but the administration ignored us,” said Sanjay Gaikwad of Eksar. “Instead of acting against the violations, they seem to be protecting the contractors.”
Locals allege that the crusher operates within ecologically sensitive forest buffer zones and in close proximity to human settlements. Continuous explosions, dust pollution, and vibrations have severely impacted agriculture, livestock health, and overall air quality.
“Dust from the site has ruined our crops, animals have stopped feeding, and children suffer from breathing issues,” said Kusgaon’s Sarpanch Seema Ware.
The situation has taken a darker turn with villagers alleging harassment by the police and hired enforcers. Vandana Ware of Kusgaon reported that 64 protestors, including her two sons, have been charged for their opposition to the quarry.
“Policemen have even threatened women with being buried alive if we don’t back down. We are peaceful citizens fighting for basic rights—clean air and safe water,” she said.
Senior residents have expressed grave concerns over the long-term impact. Retired official Krishna Kate said his house and water tank have developed cracks due to the blasting. “Even our drinking water is contaminated. If this continues, our villages will become deserted,” he warned.
Among the marchers is 10th-standard student Swaraj Parte, who has walked over five days, chanting slogans demanding the closure of the crusher. He spoke about the dusty school routes, disrupted studies, and psychological impact on younger siblings due to the frequent explosions.
“My sister wakes up crying because of the loud blasts at night. This is not a safe environment to grow up in,” he said.
Authorities Yet to Offer Concrete Action :
Upon entering the Pune district limits, the protesters were invited for a dialogue with the Divisional Commissioner, but the protest leaders claim that no actionable solutions were presented.
“All we got was bureaucratic redirection—from the Commissioner to the District Collector. Not even a temporary suspension of the crusher’s operations was considered,” said protest leader Swapnil Gaikwad.
The villagers have also demanded disciplinary action against key government officials, including former Satara Collector Jitendra Dudi, Mining Officer Amol Thorat, Tehsildar Sonali Metkari, and Resident Tehsildar Vaishali Jaygude, accusing them of dereliction of duty and misuse of power.
Despite the odds, the protestors remain steadfast in their mission. “We will continue marching to Mumbai. If our voices are still ignored, we are willing to sacrifice our lives at Mantralaya,” declared Vandana Ware.
