PORVORIM: Minister for Environment Aleixo Sequeira revealed on Friday that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) is considering conducting a characterisation analysis to determine the level of hazard at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate.
In response to a calling attention notice jointly presented by MLAs Vijai Sardesai and Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira, the Minister explained that the Board is exploring the feasibility of repurposing the identified hazardous waste for alternative uses.
“The study is proposed to be carried out either through BITS Pilani, Goa, or through the Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore. Based on the findings, the Board will decide whether to cap the hazardous waste and transport it to the Common Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility at Pissurlem or explore other alternative uses for the betterment of the State,” he elaborated.
Sequeira highlighted the GSPCB’s proactive approach, noting the appointment of a dedicated Assistant Environmental Engineer to address the concerns of Cuncolim Industrial Estate residents.
He further informed the Assembly about the Goa IDC’s efforts to develop a common Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to prevent environmental degradation. Additionally, fisah meal plants have installed bio-filters to mitigate foul odours.
Measures will be implemented by the Department of Transport to ensure that vehicles transporting fish to processing units are fully insulated with holding tanks to prevent water spillage on roads, the Minister assured.
Sequeira disclosed that the Board has issued closure orders to ten units operating without consent. Additionally, one unit discharging effluents outside its premises faced closure orders, which were revoked upon compliance.
Regarding a complaint about discharge into a canal, the Minister stated that no industrial discharge was observed, attributing the issue to discharge from a nearby settlement. The complaint was forwarded to the Water Resources Department and Cuncolim Municipal Council for appropriate action.
