Residents of Sia protest against planned quarry expansion

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, residents of the village of Sia held a peaceful protest at the entrance of a local quarry to express their strong opposition to planned expansion projects. The demonstrators, including families with young children, argued that the quarry, located just 200–300 meters from homes, poses a significant threat to their quality of life, environmental safety, and the integrity of Mount Xylias. Organizers emphasized that the project is a "red line" for the community, as it risks stripping the village of its natural identity.

Melina Georgiou, President of the Community Council, stated that existing agreements regarding the quarry's operational limits are currently being violated. The community is formally requesting the establishment of a binding schedule to phase out quarrying activities entirely. Furthermore, residents are calling for immediate government intervention to impose strict operational limits on the site.

In response to the growing unrest, plans are underway for a meeting between the local community and the Minister of Agriculture. The Minister has expressed an interest in visiting the site to discuss the residents' concerns directly. While the protest served as a clear message that the community will no longer tolerate the encroachment, further developments depend on upcoming government-level negotiations.