Team Herald
PONDA: On Thursday, a joint inspection was conducted at the Marcaim Industrial estate based on the complaint filed by Marcaim Nagrik Kruthi Sangh (MNKS). The Health officer of the Marcaim Primary Health Centre, Dr. Gokuldas Sawant, Estate Field Manager, Hanumanth Mandrekar, Hanumanth Mandrekar, Panch member, Raju Naik, MNKS President Premanand Gaude, Secretary Rajesh Naik and locals were present for the same.
The complainant alleged that over 600 workers are allegedly staying illegally at residential quarters constructed at the estate and are allegedly defecating in the open. Pointing out that the workers of around four steel factories are staying with their families and children in unhygienic conditions and that sewage is flowing into surrounding areas as well. Locals have demanded for action against the pollution issues caused, which they added have contaminated their spring water sources.
MNKS said the residential rooms have no proper sanitation or toilet facility.
Secretary Naik further claimed that the workers also create law and order problems and that one murder had even taken place at one of the factories.
Speaking about the companies operating out the Estate, Naik alleged that they do not have machinery to control the pollution and that there is air and dust pollution along with the release of harmful chemical waste into the open. This is affecting the residents nearby, he added. Locals were further upset that despite there being a large number of companies at the estate, there are no jobs being provided for them. “We have submitted memorandum to Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and the government to provide 80 per cent of the jobs to locals,” Naik added.
