MARGAO: Taking cognisance of O Heraldo’s scathing Sunday report on land, air and water pollution, and other irregularities at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, South Goa Collector Asvin Chandru, who is also Chairperson of the South Goa District Disaster Management Authority, has ordered the Cuncolim Municipal Council to immediately fill up an open well which poses a threat to cattle and residents, with a deadline of 5.30 pm on May 31.
In an order issued on Thursday, Chandru said, “It has been reported on 26/05/2024 in local daily newspaper O Heraldo on Page 11 (Review) that the wall of a well dug by Quality Exports was demolished on 28/02/2024, but the said well was not buried and poses a threat to the grazing cattle as they can fall in the open well.”
“The said well poses a significant threat to the safety of the local populace and animals, especially during the imminent monsoon season. The risk of accidental falls, water contamination, and related hazards is considerably heightened during this period,” he added.
Exercising powers under Sections 30, 33, 34, and 65 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Chandru has ordered the Chief Officer of the Cuncolim Municipal Council to fill the open well up to ground level without causing environmental damage. The task is to be coordinated with the Executive Engineer of the Water Resources Department (WRD) in Gogol, Margao.
The order specifies the use of eco-friendly materials or sand for filling the well to prevent any further hazard to the locals. Additionally, the Chief Officer is required to submit a detailed report, including photographic evidence of the completed action, by 5.30 PM on May 31.
“Non-compliance with this order will result in action under Section 57 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005,” the order warns, emphasising the urgency of the directive.
