CUNCOLIM: Since its establishment in the early 1990’s, the Cuncolim Industrial Estate has been a hub of pollution due to authorities’ failure to implement the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle effectively.
Several pollution factors persist within the industrial estate, compounded by recent illegal constructions outside its boundaries.
Firstly, hazardous waste left behind by closed factories remains a significant concern. Companies like Sunrise Zinc and Nicomet Ltd, accused of dumping heavy metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, zinc, nickel, and arsenic, have shut down without properly disposing of their waste. This waste, left uncovered, poses a severe risk, especially during monsoons, as it contaminates nearby streams and soil.
The Goa State Industrial Development Corporation allotted these plots to new occupants without collecting fees from the previous ones to clear the waste, exacerbating the issue.
In 2007, contamination from heavy metals was detected in wells located around five kilometres away from the industrial estate, rendering them unusable.
Secondly, around 14 rolling mill plants in the estate initially emitted soot and fly ash, leading to environmental damage. Although chimney heights were raised following court intervention in 2007, essential safety measures like canopies and dust collection remain unimplemented, resulting in ongoing dust pollution, said Dr Jorson Fernandes who had taken these factories to the court..
Thirdly, pollution from fishmeal plants persists, with three of them caught disposing waste illegally. Despite fines from the Goa State Pollution Control Board, the issue remains unresolved, contributing to health hazards for residents due to nitrogen, urea, and sulphur dioxide emissions.
Addressing these issues requires collaboration between various departments, including Health, Fire Services, Factories & Boilers, Pollution Control Board, and the Cuncolim Municipal Council, as suggested by Dr Fernandes.
A recent concern is the illegal living arrangements for migrant workers within factory premises, violating the Goa Factories Act. The authorities are investigating the extent of this issue.
Apart from these pollution concerns, recent dumping of slag in cultivable fields outside the estate jurisdiction has raised additional environmental alarms.Despite its 57 functioning units, 22 shut-down units, and 40 yet-to-commence operations, the Cuncolim Industrial Estate grapples with severe environmental challenges that demand immediate attention and concerted efforts for resolution.
CMC to discuss industrial pollution concerns
MARGAO: At a recent meeting, the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) agreed to address the issue of pollution caused by factories at the Industrial Estate. The move comes after Councillor Jamira Pires submitted a notice demanding discussion on this critical matter. However, the discussion is slated for the next meeting, revealed Pires.
The notice, issued by Pires, who represents ward No. 3, and seconded by Cecilia Rekha Fernandes from ward No. 7, raised significant concerns. It demanded that the civic body refrain from issuing any No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the dumping of industrial waste or slag outside the Industrial Estate area.
Furthermore, the notice called for the withdrawal of all house numbers issued to factories for structures situated outside the Industrial Estate, particularly highlighting compound walls, sheds, and open wells. Specific locations cited include Survey Nos 295, 303, and 317, where such illegal activities are purportedly carried out.
Additionally, the councillors demanded that the council communicate with relevant departments like the Water Resources Department, Public Works Department, and Electricity Department to revoke permissions granted based on NOCs or house numbers issued by the Cuncolim Municipal Council.