The battle for Cuncolim’s environmental future has reached a boiling point with residents, legal ex perts and political leaders mounting a fierce challenge against the Goa State Pollution Control Board’s (GSPCB) de cision to approve a controversial new fish meal plant. Advocate Tarun Rebelo, represent ing Dr Jorson Fernandes before the High Court of Bombay at Goa, termed the board’s minutes “arbitrary and unreasoned.” He alleged violations of the Control of Water Pollution (Grant, Refusal or Cancellation of Consent) Guidelines, 2025. He argued that con sent was granted despite the project allegedly lacking mandatory permis sions from the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) and despite earlier ob jections raised on similar grounds. Rebelo further contended that the board misinterpreted the 200-me tre distance clause applicable to or ange-category industries, stating that the proposed plant lies at the bound ary of a settlement zone and that the guideline’s intent is being diluted. Dr Jorson Fernandes said the matter would continue to be pursued legally to ensure that environmental safe guards and due process are upheld. Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao reit erated that public sentiment cannot be ignored and warned of strong democratic resistance if concerns are brushed aside. “The CMC is legally going to challenge the GSPCB’s, IPB’s and other department’s approval to M/s Goan Marine Im pex Pvt Ltd, which has proposed the fish meal plant on pri vate property near human settlement,” Alemao said. Adding to the chorus of dissent, local resident Shukla Keny expressed anguish over what she described as the continued neglect of Cuncolim. “Cuncolim, a historic place known for bravery, is being ignored by the government. Despite its potential, we are suffering — poor healthcare facilities, traffic woes due to delayed highway upgrades, and now permission for a new fish plant amidst existing pollution issues. It is time for Cuncolim to unite and fight this injustice, just like the ag itation at Chimbel. We need action, not neglect,” she said. Social activist Aviraj Desai also maintained that the peo ple of Cuncolim would not remain silent if environmental and civic concerns are sidelined. With legal proceedings underway and public anger mounting, the fish meal plant issue is fast turning into a flashpoint, testing both regula tory processes and the government’s response to local op position. “GSPCB’s approval of a new fish meal plant in Cuncolim marks a collapse of environmental governance. Residents al ready endure unbearable stench from existing units, moun tains of hazardous waste and unending irregularities like the “China Wall.” Past assurances on setting up a common ETP and waste disposal remain unfulfilled. Cuncolkars even lost a golden opportunity when an on-site inspection by GSPCB and concerned departments—an inspection assured on the floor of the Assembly by then Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira—was squandered due to political neglect. Cun colim now pays the price of official indifference and political agenda,” said Vijay Prabhu, a local activist.
Pollution Board’s nod to Cuncolim f ish meal plant sparks legal war
