Goa, Nov. 1 -- A tense situation prevailed in Xelvona-Curchorem after a large number of locals staged a protest on Friday against the proposed coal jetty, shouting slogans of "We don't want coal!" in strong opposition to the project.

Protesters gathered outside the office of Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, demanding that the government scrap the coal-handling proposal and protect the region's environment and public health.

In a notable development, Curchorem BJP Mandal member Manoj Naik also joined the protest, expressing solidarity with the agitated residents and urging the authorities to reconsider the decision.

The demonstrators alleged that the coal jetty would pose a severe threat to air quality and local livelihoods, and insisted th...