MARGAO: Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), has pointed out that they had raised the issue of pollutants being discharged into water bodies right in the year 2018.
This clarification comes in response to criticism they received from certain quarters over why GRE is only raising the issue now, amidst the ongoing crisis of mass fish mortality in certain water bodies of the state.
In 2018, GRE General Secretary Olencio Simoes had written to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), bringing to their notice that Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd, Zuarinagar was constantly dumping its effluents and chemicals at Mollo, Velsao through its water drainage system into the sea. “Due to this, the entire water stream which connects to the sea turns white in colour and causes severe odour and fish mortality in the surrounding area, which is causing severe hardships to the locals as well as hampering our fishing business. Therefore, I request you to immediately send your team and take water samples and suspend all operations until all mitigation measures are not brought in place,” read GRE’s 2018 complaint.
Recently, the GRE has written a strongly worded letter to authorities, including GSPCB and Goa SDMA, demanding action against M/s. Paradeep Phosphates Ltd (earlier Zuari Agro Chemicals). This was done after they along with Goencho Ekvott had first detected this issue on the beach.
In their letter, they had alleged the company’s operations led to increased fish mortality in Velsao water bodies and the Arabian Sea.
The letter seeks cancellation of GSPCB’s consent to the company due to the fish mortality issue and compensation from Goa SDMA.
The letter was also addressed to the South Goa Collector, Mormugao Deputy Collector, Velsao-Pale-Issorcim panchayat, and Fisheries Directorate. GRE President Agnelo Rodrigues highlighted the alarming situation, raising concerns over potential pollution from the company’s effluent discharge. He noted fish mortality indicates aquatic ecosystem degradation, and untreated industrial effluents severely impact aquatic life.
The letter called for investigating pollutants causing fish kills and assessing Paradeep Phosphates’ effluent treatment efficacy. “Any lapses or non-compliance with environmental standards must be identified and rectified immediately,” said Rodrigues.
Rodrigues emphasized considering the pollution impact on communities dependent on these water bodies for livelihood like fishing. He also raised concerns over health risks from consuming contaminated fish.
GRE further urged implementing remedial measures based on findings, including improving wastewater treatment, stricter monitoring, and enforcing environmental regulations. It stressed establishing long-term safeguards to prevent recurrence.
