Cortalim MLA Anton Vas along with local villagers on Friday allegedly caught a catering company near the Bluberry Hall at Cortalim while discharging sewage onto a public road using a motor pump connected to its septic tank.
The incident created a commotion after the MLA confronted company officials, who allegedly attempted to hide the pump that was being used to discharge the sewage.
Following the inspection, Vas lodged complaints with the Health Department, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), demanding immediate action against the company for alleged environmental pollution and unhygienic food preparation.
Speaking to reporters, Vas alleged that the company had been pumping sewage from its septic tank directly onto the roadside, leaving the entire area with an unbearable stench and posing a serious health hazard to residents.
He further claimed that the catering company supplies food to several industries in the Verna Industrial Estate and urged those companies to immediately terminate their contracts until the unit complies with all hygiene and environmental norms.
"The kitchen is in an extremely unhygienic condition. Companies that procure food from this caterer should cancel their contracts as the health of their employees cannot be compromised. At the same time, the company is polluting the entire village by discharging sewage on the road," Vas said.
The MLA alleged that during the inspection, company officials tried to conceal the motor pump allegedly used for pumping sewage.
However, he searched the nearby bushes and recovered the pump, which he claimed had been hidden after villagers raised an alarm.
Vas also alleged that the catering unit was functioning without all the mandatory permissions and licences required to operate from the premises. He alleged that the company was functioning without proper approvals while creating environmental pollution and endangering public health.
Demanding stringent action, Vas instructed the Health Department, FDA and GSPCB to immediately inspect the premises, verify the alleged violations and, if found guilty, shut down the operation.
He said such practices would not be tolerated and warned that strict action should be taken against anyone found polluting the village or compromising public health.
The catering company's response to the allegations could not be obtained at the time of filing this report.
