The disposal of waste and effluents from a fish plant in the Sanguem Industrial Estate is causing anxiety to the people residing around the Estate.
For the past many days, the waste released from the plant in the open has been emanating a foul smell raising fears of outbreak of an epidemic.
Though the disposal of the effluent was kept under wraps for some time, the foul smell could not hide the damage being done. When the truth was finally in the open, the local MLA Mr Prasad Gaonkar and Health Officials ordered the contractor to halt dumping the fish waste in the open.
Clarifying on the disposal of the waste, the contractor said that since the fish effluents were sought by a local landowner for filling an open quarry, the effluents were disposed in it. The contractor, however, could justify the release of the waste water into an open area by the side of the Plant where heaps of garbage lay unattended for some days.
The contractor said that after dumping the fish waste in the open quarry, a bottle of disinfectant was used to remove bad odour and kill germs from the waste. The waste is then covered with mud to avoid the water from running in the open areas and causing a health hazard.
However, despite all the precautions, a small quantity of waste overflowed into an open area raising fears of a possible outbreak of diseases.
On hearing about the effluents being released in open, Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar took first hand information of the mess created by the Fish Plant at the Industrial Estate. Gaonkar warned the company of severe action if no immediate steps are taken to control the disposal of fish waste in systematic manner.
A team of health officials also visited the site and took stock of the situation. Sanitary Inspector Mr Vinay P. Naik told Herald that strictures have been issued to the contractor. The contractor has adhered to the strictures issued by the health authorities, claimed Naik further adding that strict action will be taken if the contractor is found discharging the effluents in the open. As far as the disposal of garbage, the panchayat authorities have to intervene and penalise the company, added Naik.
A villager Gaurang Gaonkar complained over the functioning of the fish plant. “The garbage from the plant is disposed all over the place. No measures are taken for the systematic disposal of the garbage by the company,” claimed Gaonkar.
Sarpanch of Uguem Village Panchayat Sanjay Parwar said that necessary action will be taken against the company for causing health hazard.
It may be recalled that last year when the company was in the construction stage over 12 malaria cases were reported among the labourers working at the site. In the absence of proper toilets, the workers were found defecating in the open which led to the spread of malaria and dengue cases in the locality. The situation was later brought under control after due intervention of the Sanguem Mamlatdar Manoj Dessai.
Ironically the fish waste is reportedly disposed in the open quarry near the Plant as it saves money to the contractor for transporting it.
