CUNCOLIM: For years, the issue of untreated effluents being released into the ground through illegal borewells by the fish meal plants operating at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate has been haunting Cuncolkars, whose pleas for shutting these polluting units have fallen on deaf ears as they claim that the government is not even interested to listen to their voices.
The locals claim that for the past three decades these units have polluted the fertile land, the groundwater and have also caused air pollution. Cuncolkars complain of suffering from several health problems caused due to the pollution created by these plants.
In these 30 years, several MLAs have failed to come out with a solution to the pollution issue, they claimed and added that they were forced to run from pillar to post to raise the issue at various forums but to no avail.
However, they have now knocked the doors of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and hope for some relief.
Herald has reported the issue of illegal borewells at Cuncolim Industrial Estate almost in all industrial units.
Acting on news reports in the Herald and complaints from locals, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) in December 2020 raided the fish meal plants and found 18 illegal borewells in four fish meal plants. The GSPCB, Water Resources Department (WRD) with the help of police had sealed 14 borewells. In accordance with Groundwater Act, the GSPCB had imposed a massive fine of over Rs one crore on each fish meal plant for not following the pollution norms and for releasing untreated effluents. It learnt that the GSPCB was to file criminal cases against the fish meal plants.
Unfortunately, due to pressure from politicians and the industrial lobby the GSPCB took a soft stand and settled the matter by allegedly charging a nominal fine of less than Rs five lakh thereby allowing the fish meal plants to operate.
However, the GSPCB had directed these plants to revoke their licences and had warned them that it would seal them if they failed to set up effluent treatment plants.
It is pertinent to note that eight fish meal plants and fish treating units are operating in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate. Except for one, none of these units have effluent treatment plant.
It’s been a year and a half year since the GSPCB initiated action against these fish meal plants. However, despite this, these units continue to release untreated effluents into the ground, the locals alleged and added that some illegal borewells are still releasing untreated effluents.
However, the GSPCB said that it is maintaining a strict vigil on the fish meal plants and added that the sealed borewells are not in operation.
Asked whether the fine imposed on these polluting units has been collected, a GSPCB official said a nominal fine has been collected and fish meal plants have been allowed to operate but with strict conditions.
Cuncolim resident Dr Jorson Fernandes, who is fighting a lone battle against these polluting fish meal plants, said “The officials as well as those operating the plants are in hand-in-glove with each other. It’s a big nexus between industrial unit owners, government officials and politicians, who are playing with the lives of innocent people. I have filed a complaint in National Green Tribunal and expect to get some relief and justice.”
In his petition to NGT, Dr Jorson has appealed it to direct the GSPCB and concerned units to set up effluent treatment plants at IDC. He has called for checking all the borewells and has demanded that these be sealed permanently.
He has also urged for checking groundwater in the Cuncolim area and has also called for restoring the water resources to their original state.
Oscar Martins, another resident, who was also fighting against pollution, said, “It is the responsibility of the local MLA to raise this issue in Assembly and to force the government to act tough against these polluting units. It’s very said that there is no control on these polluting units. The government must not allow any fish meal plant to operate without ETP.”
Former MLA Clafacio Dias during his tenure had inspected the polluting units and had called the Chief Minister and other officers but nothing has been done to stop pollution.
Present Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao during his election campaign had promised to act against these polluting plants. Yuri’s supporters had submitted memorandum to the GSPCB demanding strict action against the fish meal plants.
When contacted Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao said, “Cuncolim industrial pollution is a big concern and I am aware of it. Illegal borewells at fish meal plants is serious issue. Under RTI, I had sought documents from various industries and fish meal plants. Once I get them, I will be able to understand the crux of problem and will take a call accordingly. Effluent treatment plants are the need of the hour at IDC. Those who are involved in illegalities will be punished. I am going to take up the pollution issue and will fight to deliver justice to Cuncolkars.”
Former MLA Clafasio Dias said, “When I was MLA we had inspected all fish meal plants. I had even called Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and had demanded strict action against the polluting units. After my intervention many fish meal plants were sealed by GSPCB. Huge fine was imposed on several fish meal plants. I will demand Effluent Treatment Plant at IDC and will always back the people Cuncolim in their fight against pollution.”
