Team Herald
PORVORIM: In the wake of the fire at the Berger Becker Coatings factory located in the Pilerne Industrial Estate, the Goa government has decided to undertake a review of all high-risk industries in the State.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that the government will ensure that no polluting or hazardous industries are allowed in the proximity of residential areas. He also said that the government will look into the request to relocate the Berger Becker Coatings factory from the Pilerne industrial estate, as it is located within a few meters from a residential locality.
The submission came after Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao referred to the high-risk industries as a ‘ticking time-bomb’. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo also pushed for the factory, which uses large quantities of flammable liquids and other chemicals, to be relocated to safeguard the people living nearby.
“We have already formed a committee under the District Collector North to ascertain the cause of the fire and to recommend necessary measures for the future within 15 days,” said Sawant, responding to a calling attention motion. He added that necessary action will be taken post the review of the high-risk industries. Lobo and Saligao MLA Kedar Naik had raised a joint calling attention motion, pointing out the massive fire at the Berger Becker paint factory has created sudden pollution in the form of carbon monoxide and various other harmful gases being released into the environment that could create health issues, especially for infants, the elderly and vulnerable people with asthma or chronic respiratory illnesses.
They also pointed out that the water in the wells in the surrounding areas has also been contaminated and is not safe for drinking, especially in Saipem vaddo of Candolim village.
Lobo also demanded that the factory be relocated as it is located hardly 70 meters away from a residential area. He said that the factory should not be permitted to re-start operations. The Opposition demanded that a judicial inquiry be conducted into the incident and that the
company be held responsible, and necessary action initiated.
Minister for Environment Nilesh Cabral admitted that the well water in the area is highly contaminated and not suitable for consumption. He added that if the company is found operating in violation of environmental laws, then necessary action would be initiated.
