MARGAO: The Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), a registered society representing local fishing communities in the State, has raised alarm over recent fish deaths allegedly caused by industrial pollution in Goa’s coastal waters.
Olencio Simoes, General Secretary of GRE, claimed that Paradeep Phosphates Ltd has once again dumped effluents into the sea, resulting in fish mortality. “For the past five years, we’ve been pursuing this matter with the pollution control board, writing numerous letters. Unfortunately, no action has been taken to curb the pollution,” Simoes stated.
The organisation emphasised that fish mortality often serves as a critical indicator of water pollution and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. They added that improperly treated effluents from industrial operations can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants that severely impact marine life.
“We have also written to the Chief Manufacturing Officer (CMO) of Paradeep Phosphates Ltd demanding that the Assessment of Effluent Treatment plant of Paradeep Phosphates Ltd should be rigorously evaluated,” said Simoes.
“Any lapses or non-compliance with the prescribed environmental standards must be identified and rectified. Based on the findings of the investigation, immediate remedial measures should be implemented to mitigate the impact of the pollution. This might include improvements to the wastewater treatment infrastructure, stricter monitoring, and enforcement of environmental regulations,” Simoes added.
