Team Herald
PONDA: Unbearable stench emanating from the poultry waste disposal plant situated at Palaskatta Mollem has forced locals to unite and fight against the issue. The waste is giving rise to a foul stench and locals are worried that it may lead to health hazards.
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Unable to bear with the stinking nuisance, the villagers have lodged formal complaints with both the Mollem Panchayat and the local police, urging them to initiate action against the issue. While villagers claimed that they had no issues with poultry farm itself, but claimed that it was the recently established waste disposal plant which was turning into a public nuisance. The plant, which processes chicken waste, was set up as part of the business owner’s efforts to expand operations.
According to a memorandum submitted to the Panchayat, signed by 50 residents and Panchayat member Varsha Zore, the poultry farm business has been operating in the area for some time. However, the waste disposal plant, which has been accepting waste from external sources since last year, has caused the surrounding area to be plagued by a persistent and unpleasant smell. Despite earlier assurances from the company owner that the issue would be addressed, the stench remains a significant concern for the locals.
The memorandum urges the Panchayat to revoke the No Objection Certificate (NOC) previously granted to the company for the waste disposal facility.
The poultry farm owner denied the claims of the overpowering stench, stating that efforts are being made to relocate the waste treatment plant to another site with the help of government land. He clarified that while chicken waste from his farm in Ponda is brought to the Mollem facility for treatment, no waste is stored at the plant itself. He also pointed out that the poultry farm has provided employment opportunities for many locals and follows proper operational processes.
Mollem Sarpanch Suhas Gaonkar confirmed that the Panchayat has received the memorandum and that a joint meeting to discuss the matter has been scheduled for 7 January.
“We have scheduled a joint meeting with the owner of the project and villagers. If there are genuine issues that negatively impact the villagers, the Panchayat will support the local community in resolving the matter,” said Gaonkar.
