TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Goa Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Ganesh Gaonkar on Monday visited the Cuncolim Industrial Estate to gather first hand information about the industrial slag generation and disposal, even as he warned units not to dispose off the slag in violation of norms and permissions.
Gaonkar’s visit to the Cuncolim Industrial Estate comes after Herald reported how the industrial slag generated in the Industrial estate has now found its way in private properties adjoining the Estate.
Accompanied by Cuncolim MLA Rajan Naik, the IDC Chairman had detailed discussions with the representatives of units generating industrial slag in the presence of Cuncolim Industries Association President Abay Keni. Attention was drawn of the IDC chairman to the paucity of land at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate to dispose off the industrial slag generated by the seven units at the Estate. They contended that the industrial slag is non polluting and not hazardous in nature and hence will not result in any environmental degradation.
After the interaction, Gaonkar told the media that the IDC will verify the quantum of industrial slag and complaints that the slag has found its way beyond the borders of the Industrial Estate.
He sounded categorical in stating that the IDC will not allow anyone to do anything in violation of the law. “In the past, there’s been number of irregularities in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate for want of attention. I have just taken over the reigns of IDC two months ago. I will carry out a detailed study on a priority basis and work out a solution to the slag disposal,” he said.
On the foul odour emanating from the fish meal plant, Gaonkar said the Goa State Pollution Control Board will be told to ascertain the level of bad odour, adding that alternatives will be found out if resolve the problem.
