MARGAO: Dozens of small fish were found dead in a water body at São José de Areal, prompting officials from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to inspect the site on Thursday and initiate an inquiry.
GSPCB officials, accompanied by local MLA Cruz Silva, collected water samples from the site, where locals suspect that scrapyards and fish canning units in the vicinity are causing pollution.
Speaking to reporters, local resident Fredy Travaso, a social worker, expressed his suspicion that the scrapyards were the primary source of pollution in the water bodies. He pointed out that the accumulation of waste and hazardous materials at these scrapyards could be contaminating the surrounding environment, pushing for immediate action to prevent further ecological damage.
He demanded a detailed inspection of the scrapyard with police protection to ensure safety during the probe. “The same problem of water pollution has resurfaced in the area, and we suspect it may be due to the fish canning unit and scrapyard operating near the polluted water body,” said MLA Cruz Silva.
“These repeated incidents of water pollution are impacting local farmers as well as the villagers,” the MLA said.
