Team Herald
PANJIM: Stating that pollution caused by fish meals and steel units have threatened environmental integrity and public health in Cuncolim, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Monday demanded a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of area involving reputable experts.
Addressing a press conference along with villagers at State Secretariat at Porvorim, Yuri said fish processing units have been discharging untreated water into local water bodies, resulting in severe contamination.
Stating that the groundwater assessments reveal disturbingly high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), alongside elevated nutrient concentrations such as nitrates and phosphorus, he said, “The situation is exacerbated by eutrophication, contributing to the degradation of water quality. As a result, local water bodies are transformed into hazardous environments unsuitable for consumption by both humans and livestock.”
“Air pollution from nearby steel factories in Cuncolim present another critical issue. Residents have reported significant amounts of black soot in surrounding areas, indicative of poorly monitored operations. Alarmingly, the audits carried out by the Goa State Pollution Control Board have overlooked the external conditions affecting the community, neglecting to address the grievances highlighted by local residents,” he said.
Yuri pointed out that the respiratory issues among residents have become increasingly prevalent, with anecdotal evidence suggesting a decline in overall health due to air quality deterioration.
“Water quality assessments have similarly shown groundwater becoming unsuited for human consumption. Disturbingly, contaminated water is being utilised for cattle, posing risks for both livestock health and the safety of the milk supplied to consumers,” he said. “After complaints, authorities issue closure notices and then de-seal these units by taking environmental compensation of mere Rs 7,812 and guarantee of Rs 1 lakh. Turnover of these units is in crores of rupees, hence this compensation is like ‘do it’ for them,” he said.
Yuri demanded that the formalities of serving closure notices and then revoking them needs to be investigated by competent authority. “Some persons with a Portuguese passport seem to be dealing and carrying Indian bags filled with euros from Cuncolim Industrial Estate. Hence, green signal is being given to these pollution units and de-sealing them. Without demand for bags, pollution can’t turn into non-pollution,” Alemao said.
He said that the distillery and other polluted units, including fish meals were ordered shut by authorities after finding that they failed to set-up the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).
He demanded that a comprehensive audit of the entire village be carried out, including study of health records and respiratory issues among residents.
“Close down all polluted units until they adhere to norms.
We will approach the court to seek justice,” the opposition leader said.