MARGAO: The livelihoods of at least 400 traditional fisherfolk who are dependent on the catch from Velsao’s beach and water bodies are at risk of ruin, said environmental NGO Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir (GFPK), in the wake of the pollution incident that caused widespread fish mortality in Velsao-Pale last week.
A team from GFPK had visited the affected beach site to assess the damage, and observed a large number of dead fish, including pufferfish, carp, crabs, and eel, continuously washing ashore with the tide. The stench of decomposing fish filled the air, causing immense discomfort for the greens. Moreover, the group observed damage to a high density of shellfish colonies, which was allegedly caused by the discharge of untreated effluent from an industrial plant located upstream. In some areas, attempts were made to clear and burn the dead fish.
The team, led by GFPK President Jack Mascarenhas and former Deputy Director of Agriculture Amancio Fernandes, documented the scene alongside local ward panch members like Francisco Braganza, Goencho Ekvott (GE) Founder Orville Dourado Rodrigues and affected fishermen such as Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) Vice President Camilo Souza and others. Their findings corroborated reports of extensive fish deaths and signs of ecological damage.
GFPK commended the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for its swift action in identifying the source of pollution. However, the NGO sought accountability and emphasised the urgency of ensuring long-term solutions.
“We urge the GSPCB to take all necessary steps to safeguard the livelihoods of over 400 traditional fishermen in Velsao-Pale,” stated Mascarenhas. “The polluting industrial unit must be held accountable under the ‘polluter pays’ principle and made to compensate for the ecological damage.”
Beyond just the investigation into pollution, they called for mitigation measures across the State to prevent similar incidents while also raising more questions on how this incident unfolded.
GFPK called for immediate action from the government to prevent further ecological disasters and potential social unrest among the frustrated fishing community. Their demands build upon a GSPCB report indicating negligence at a fertiliser factory as the cause of the fish kill.