Locals upset as waste water from unit flows on road in Honda IDC

VALPOI

Waste water from a unit at the Honda Industrial Estate began to flow on a public road on Tuesday and foul smell of the liquid caused alarm and anger among locals in the area.

The company concerned immediately took note of the situation and began efforts to remove the water from the road. Workers were deployed to carry out cleaning operations. The clean-up drive continued for nearly three hours. Spraying of water and spreading layers of soil were used in an attempt to remove the filth from the road, according to local residents.

Several residents rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation and said the foul smell persisted in the area for nearly four hours.

Residents have alleged that despite several complaints with the Goa State Pollution Control Board, effective action to cub the pollution has not been initiated. They have also brought this to the attention of the local MLA.

Residents have complained that foul-smelling smoke and dust are frequently released from the plant, affecting nearby residential settlements. Many households have complained that black-coloured smoke and dust enter their homes regularly, making daily life difficult and raising concerns about health hazards.

According to sources, a team from the Goa State Pollution Control Board is scheduled to inspect the project on Wednesday.

Local residents, however, claimed that whenever there are complaints about foul odour and pollution from the project, officials from the Goa State Pollution Control Board visit the site for inspection.

However, residents claim that these inspections are usually scheduled in advance, allowing the company to carry out temporary clean-ups and present the premises as clean.