Abandoned quarries used for stone and soil extraction in Goa are the remnants of past mining activities.
Laterite quarries in Goa have natural value, being a testimony to the industrial activities and natural processes that have taken place in this region.
Now they remain inactive and are gaining new importance for tourists and nature lovers. Many of these quarries have been transformed into beautiful natural areas with unique landscapes where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature by taking a walk or spending time on a picnic. These abandoned sites have become popular for tourists, providing an opportunity to see unique natural formations and enjoy the peace and solitude of being surrounded by nature.
What was quarried?
Previously, stone and soil were quarried here. Stone was used in the construction of buildings, roads and other infrastructure elements. Soil may have been used in construction, agriculture and other industries. These quarries are evidence of previous natural material extraction activities and are attractive places to study and view the natural formations left behind.
Laterite quarries today
Over time, some quarries ceased to be active and were abandoned. Often these places attract the attention of tourists and become objects of ecological research, as well as provide opportunities to make many beautiful photographs.
After several tragic cases, the debate on how to secure these open pits has long been ongoing. From time to time, the government has talked about measures, including a proposal to fill the quarries with solid waste from municipal areas, but the idea was rejected by the National Green Tribunal. The year is 2023, and talk of barriers and signs warning against bathing continues unabated.
Safety
The Water Resources Department (WRD) has started consultations with the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) for erecting bio-fencing around nine abandoned quarries. Bio-fencing involves planting trees or shrubs suitable for the area to fence off water bodies.
WRD was previously ordered to install barbed wire fencing around the abandoned quarries in Pernem after four teenagers died there in 2019. Following that incident, citizens were highly outraged that the quarries had been abandoned without safety precautions being followed by those who mined laterite.
Water reserves
Bioretention is one of the mitigation measures being considered. Sources said that during consultations on the rehabilitation or utilization of the quarries, it was initially proposed to use them as rainwater recharge points or reservoirs.
It was suggested that it is possible to consider setting up filtration plants and supplying nearby villages with this water. But creation of filtration plants requires significant costs. Therefore, it was decided to use the water for irrigation. But the terrain is such that there are no plantations or fields nearby. WRD found that during the monsoon season, 1.3 million tons of water accumulates in the quarries and there is water there till April. It is only in May that the quarries dry up
Most Popular Abandoned Quarries in Goa
Mogacho Waterfall
The waterfall, formed by rainwater cascading into an open quarry of laterite stone, is a popular spot for tourists and locals during munsun.
Abandoned Quarries Arambol
In close proximity to Arambol beach is an abandoned quarry. Nowadays it attracts the attention of tourists with its unique atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
Ashvem Abandoned Quarries
Good for swimming from the second month until the end of the rainy season. The rest of the time the place does not look too attractive and is spoiled by construction debris from nearby new buildings.
When visiting these places be careful and observe elementary safety rules, do not leave children unattended. And most importantly, don’t forget to subscribe to our TG channel.
