PANJIM: Paradeep Phosphates 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 before the NGT hearing. But the full pipeline has not been dismantled.
The presence of pollutants had significantly impacted the marine ecosystem, affecting fish populations and, consequently, the income of the fishing community. NGT had taken cognizance of the pollution after O Heraldo and Herald TV had highlighted the issue of fish deaths.
Olencio Simoes, General Secretary, Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott 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 pipe 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.”
Orville Dourado, Founder Member Goencho Ekvott said, “ I had released a video about fish mortality, but many people raised doubts about it. Upon this I released another video on 26 May2024 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 moto cognizance of the issue.”