the goan I network
VASCO
Several residents of Santrant-Cortalim on Monday complained about dust pollution and have demanded an immediate site inspection by the deputy collector, failing which they have threatened an agitation on the road.
A memorandum, which has been signed by over 50 locals, was submitted to Mormugao Deputy Collector Paresh Faldesai. The memorandum shares the residents’ daily plight on account of dust pollution.
When contacted, Satiavan Naique, who is leading the agitation against the dust pollution, said a similar petition was also submitted to Cortalim panchayat and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha.
“There is massive dust pollution caused by ongoing works on the new Zuari Bridge and non-maintenance of the NH17 highway stretch between Cortalim Circle and Toyota Showroom.”
“We have been suffering dust pollution 24x7 for the last many years. There have been rising cases of respiratory diseases. This is mainly because dust settles on our utensils which are used for cooking.”
“There is dust in our houses 24x7. Our corridors and rooms are full of dust. Even sweeping continuously doesn’t help as the dust keeps on resettling. It is now impossible to walk out on the street to get fresh air which has become a luxury,” said Naique.
Naique informed that the aggrieved locals have requested the deputy collector to conduct a site inspection.
“We have demanded that necessary action be taken and directions be issued to resolve the dust pollution nuisance that we have been facing for the last many years. We have also decided that if the site visit and inspection do not happen in 15 days, we will have no option but to come out on the roads and agitate,” said Naique.
