MARGAO: Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao, vehemently criticised the BJP government, accusing it of adopting a careless attitude that has transformed the entire Mormugao taluka into ‘ticking time bomb’. Alemao slammed the government’s failure to pinpoint the exact cause of contamination of wells, nullahs, and fields with petroleum products, stating that it has exposed the ‘disastrous’ functioning of Goa’s disaster management authority.
More than a week into the crisis, the government has yet to identify the contamination source, with authorities relying on Zuari Indian Oil Tanking Private Limited (ZIOPTL) to detect the leakage. Alemao demanded heavy penalties for ZIOPTL, holding them responsible for the destruction of groundwater, fields, and the potential threat to human lives.Alemao recalled past incidents in Mormugao taluka, including gas leaks and industrial accidents resulting in fatalities. He blamed the government’s irresponsible and insensitive attitude for allowing industries to disregard safety lessons and endanger the lives of residents.
“During the March session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, I received information that the Goa Disaster Management Authority depends on various entities, including Goa Shipyard Ltd, Mormugao Port Authority, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and private industries, most of which are located in Mormugao Taluka, for life-saving assistance and heavy equipment during disasters,” claimed Alemao.
Warning about the potential risks, Alemao pointed out that these entities are situated within a five km radius of the airport and surrounded by high-risk locations, such as petroleum storage tanks in Vasco town and on the hillock at Zuari Nagar.
Alemao urged CM Pramod Sawant to convene a meeting with all stakeholders and promptly address the water contamination issue faced by residents of Dabolim.
