Fish meal plants sealed for spewing waste in Cuncolim cleared to resume operations

Stringent waste management, water monitoring to follow; three units fined Rs 1 lakh each, aside from environmental compensation of Rs 8,000
Fish meal plants sealed for spewing waste in Cuncolim cleared to resume operations
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Team Herald

MARGAO:The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has lifted the suspension of three fish meal plants at Cuncolim Industrial Estate. These units were previously sealed due to allegations of discharging untreated wastewater into surrounding areas, raising environmental concerns. The suspension was lifted after the plants demonstrated compliance with regulatory standards and improved their waste management practices.

Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira announced the decision at a press conference in Margao on Friday. As part of their enforcement actions, the GSPCB imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the fish meal plants for their past violations and collected an environmental compensation of Rs 7,812 from the units.

In addition, the GSPCB has mandated the installation of flow meters at fish processing units. These devices will monitor water usage in real-time by connecting directly to the board, ensuring stricter oversight of the water flow.

“After the suspension is lifted, the fish meal units at Cuncolim Industrial Estate will be required to implement specific measures,” said Minister Sequeira. He warned, “If we detect any future lapses in compliance, we will not hesitate to seal them again, permanently.”

“The fish meal plants have been instructed to install flow meters to monitor the incoming and outgoing water levels. Procuring this equipment is mandatory,” he added.

Additionally, the Minister mentioned ongoing discussions regarding improvements to sewage facilities at the South Goa Planning and Development Markets, as well as plans to upgrade toilet facilities and carry out maintenance work at the district collectorate building.

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