The decision of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to grant consent to operate the controversial fish meal and fish oil unit of Goa Marine Impex Pvt Ltd has triggered fresh political mobilisation in Cuncolim, with villagers preparing for decisive action. Cuncolim MLA and Lead er of the Opposition an nounced that a meeting of villagers will be convened in Cuncolim on Tuesday to chalk out the further course of action. “This Government only understands the language of protest and hence we are going to hit the streets demanding scrapping of this controversial fish meal plant in Cuncolim,” Yuri Ale mao said, reacting strongly to the pollution board’s clearance. According to sources, a large number of residents are expected to gather at the MLA’s office on Tues day, where a strategy will be finalised to address what they describe as serious environmental and public health concerns linked to the project. The GSPCB’s consent permits the unit to manu facture 2,400 metric tonnes per month of fish meal and 400 metric tonnes per month of fish oil, subject to multiple environmen tal safeguards, including operation of a 300 KLD Effluent Treatment Plant, zero-discharge norms, odour control systems, on line effluent monitoring, and ambient air quality checks. However, residents and activists have repeatedly questioned whether these safeguards can effectively prevent foul odours, emis sions and pollution in a locality that has already witnessed complaints over environmental issues in the past. The consent order also states that it does not over ride the requirement for other statutory permis sions from local bodies and government departments. Yet villagers argue that granting pollution clear ance despite sustained objections from locals and the Cuncolim Munici pal Council has deepened mistrust. With political rhetoric sharpening and public sen timent intensifying, Tues day’s meeting could mark the beginning of a large scale agitation in Cuncolim, a village historically known for standing up against per ceived injustice.
Consent to operate triggers fresh revolt over Cuncolim fish plant
