Team Herald
PONDA: Following a series of complaints from residents of Usgao-Marvasada about an unbearable foul smell emanating from the waste disposal plant of the Goa Meat Complex, a joint inspection was conducted by Usgao-Ganjem Sarpanch Ramnath Dangui, panchayat members, health officials, and locals.
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The inspection highlighted the ongoing issue caused by the disposal of waste and bones from cattle slaughter within the complex premises. Residents have been enduring the stench of rotting meat throughout the day and night, which has affected their quality of life and created a public health concern.
Sarpanch Dangui discussed the problem with the meat complex’s in-charge, Ramdas Naik, who assured that modern machinery, including cold storage facilities, would be installed within 20 days to address the issue. Naik confirmed that the matter had been escalated to the Managing Director of the complex, who has committed to resolving the problem swiftly.
Sarpanch Dangui acknowledged the importance of the Goa Meat Complex in supplying meat to consumers but emphasised that the current disposal practices are unacceptable. He stated that while locals are not against the slaughter operations, they are demanding a permanent solution to the persistent foul smell that has disrupted their lives for months.
Residents allege that vehicles transporting waste to the complex, reportedly from across Goa and even Karnataka, are exacerbating the problem. Earlier protests saw locals along with panch member Manisha Usgaonkar gathering near the meat complex to demand action, but despite formal complaints to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and the Health Department, no concrete measures had been implemented until now.
The foul smell has particularly affected students and families in the area, forcing many to reconsider their daily routines. Locals claim that the stench is most prominent during the early morning and late-night hours, making it impossible for them to carry on with normal activities.
The assurance of new machinery has provided temporary relief to the community, but residents have made it clear that they will continue to monitor the situation closely.
