14 Sep 2023  |   06:26am IST

Cuncolim locals tweet to remind CM of Industrial Estate pollution

Residents have been complaining about the health hazard posed by pollution and poor disposal of hazardous waste, for over two decades; demand solution to foul stench from fish processing units

Team Herald

MARGAO: Citizens of Cuncolim have turned to social media to remind Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of the commitments he recently made in the Goa Legislative Assembly to address the complaints of pollution from the Industrial Estate. 

Several residents demanded the government’s immediate action to resolve the pressing issue that has been adversely affecting the local population. Notably, the locals have even uploaded a video in which Sawant is seen assuring action during the monsoon Assembly session.

Vijay Prabhu, a Cuncolim resident, took to Twitter to draw CM Sawant’s attention to the nuisance of the foul odour emitted by factories, particularly fish processing industries, during the night in the vicinity of the Cuncolim Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). He stated that the IDC was depriving residents of Cuncolim town and the neighbouring villages of their basic fundamental right to breathe clean air.

The attached video to the appeal showcases Sawant’s assurance given on the Assembly floor, to initiate a joint inspection of the factories. This inspection would be conducted in the presence of Leader of Opposition and Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao, Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral, Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho, and Pollution Board experts, the CM had assured, in response to a question raised by LoP Alemao. The question pertained to irregularities and illegalities in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, where residents have been complaining about the health hazards caused by pollution and the disposal of hazardous waste, for over two decades.

Deepak Desai, another citizen of Cuncolim, criticised the government for its neglect of the long-pending pollution issue.