Agricultural communities in Agassaim are facing a new environmental crisis as toxic waste has been flowing into paddy fields and streams since May 23, following heavy rainfall.
The contamination has affected the wards of Moita, Padribhat, and Malwara, turning fields and water bodies black and raising fears about crop safety.
Health department officials and GSPCB representatives have collected samples for analysis, with locals demanding swift identification of the pollution source and nature. The affected area is particularly significant as Agassaim practices organic farming and its local brinjal variety has received Geographic Indication (GI) tag recognition.
Former sarpanch Xavier Gracias emphasised the urgency of investigation, while local panch Julieta Ribeiro sought assurances for farmers about crop viability.
Activist Ramrao Wagh called for oxygen level studies in affected fields. St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar has petitioned authorities for comprehensive inspection of the contamination source.
Meanwhile, a massive molasses storage tank at the Canacona Industrial Estate at Shristhal has tilted dangerously, creating panic about potential environmental disaster. The tank, belonging to a defunct alcohol factory that ceased operations two decades ago, has been spreading strong molasses odours throughout the locality.
Speaker and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar has ordered immediate drone filming and structural stability testing of the tank, along with safe removal of remaining contents. Fire and emergency teams remain on standby as officials work to prevent the tank's complete collapse.
The Industrial Development Corporation and GSPCB had previously instructed former lease owners Sidhi Multi-Trade Pvt Ltd to remove approximately 700 tonnes of molasses already extracted from the tank. New lease owners NTS Pvt Ltd have committed to safely removing the remaining quarter-tank of molasses to prevent environmental catastrophe.
Local residents fear that tank rupture could send molasses flowing into nearby houses and the seasonal rivulet that connects to the Talpona/Kushavati river system, ultimately reaching the sea at Talpona coast.