VASCO: Paradeep Phosphates Limited, Zuarinagar has dismantled a small portion of the submerged pipeline which has been allegedly polluting the sea for 50 years, according to local fishermen, who rely on the sea for their livelihood.
This has happened as a stop-gap ahead of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) hearing. But the full pipeline has not been dismantled.
The presence of pollutants had significantly impacted the marine ecosystem, affecting fish population and, consequently, the income of the fishing community. NGT had taken cognisance of the pollution after O Heraldo and Herald TV had highlighted the issue of fish deaths.
Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) general secretary Olencio Simoes, said, “It was good news, that Paradeep Phosphates have accepted that pollution was taking place. Our fishermen were fighting on this issue for years. By dismantling the pipeline, it is a first step the new management has taken in favour of the villagers. We are hopeful that the new management will take further steps to arrest pollution.”
Goencho Ekvott founder member Orville Dourado, said, “I had released a video about fish mortality, but many people raised doubts about it. Upon this I released another video on May 26 this year and we showed the origin of the pollution. We complained to the Goa State Pollution Control Board. Now we learn that the NGT has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue.”
Earlier, social workers Roquezinho D'Souza and Aliston Pinto, both from Velsao Pale had brought the issue to the forefront after fish death was reported.
The presence of pollutants had significantly impacted the marine ecosystem, affecting fish populations.
Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas had approached the Goa State Pollution Board (GSPCB), who sent teams and collected samples of the fish and water.
The subsequent report had revealed alarming levels of ammonia in the seawater, directly linked to the pipeline which caused environmental damage in the village thereby affecting the livelihood of traditional fishermen.