Outrage as untreated waste from fish plants flows into water bodies at Cuncolim
Team Herald
MARGAO: Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao issued a stern warning on Friday, stating that the people of Cuncolim might take the law into their own hands if the BJP government fails to act against fish meal and processing units discharging untreated water into the fields and water bodies around them. Alemao highlighted the grave environmental and health risks posed by these practices, calling for immediate government intervention.
The issue came to light when Cuncolim villagers discovered water contaminated with waste from fish meal units flowing into the Ambaulim River. Quepem Congress MLA Alton D’Costa, who was also at the site, demanded swift action, pointing out that the pollution was impacting not just Cuncolim but also water bodies in his constituency.
Villagers expressed outrage at the unchecked pollution, accusing the government of ignoring the crisis. Alemao criticised the BJP government for failing to act, accusing them of turning a “Nelson’s Eye” to the issue despite it being raised in the Assembly.
“These units have no Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). Thus, water bodies are polluted. Shut down these plants if they don’t adhere to norms. Why is the government protecting polluting industries? Are they getting kickbacks?” Alemao questioned. He also criticised the government’s failure to monitor the air quality index in the industrial estate, noting the widespread contamination and accusing the Pollution Control Board of negligence.
“It is shocking to see contaminated water flowing everywhere here. All departments have failed to check the illegal practices and handle hazardous waste here,” he
remarked.
Pollution control board suspends ops of two fish meal plants
PANJIM: Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has directed two fish meal plants at Cuncolim Industrial Estate to suspend operations for alleged environmental pollution. The plants which have been asked to suspend operations are M/s United Marine Products and M/s Quality Foods.
The GSPCB has also issued show cause notice to Quality Foods asking why the unit should not be directed to be closed or suspended. It has also asked the management to appear before Dr Shamila Monteiro, Member Secretary, GSPCB, on September 26. The Board said that during an inspection conducted recently it was observed that water pumped from the collection tank near the old Effluent Treatment Plant of the unit was being discharged through an opening which flows into the storm water drain located outside the unit. It was also observed that floor washing water was also discharged through the opening. A chamber was also found overflowing near the opening and the overflow was flowing out through the air opening.
The GSPCB has directed the companies to immediately stop operating their units to avoid injury to public life and outbreak of disease in the surrounding areas due to the untreated effluent.