MARGAO
In a major development on the controversial fish meal plant, the Cuncolim Municipal Council has rejected the application by Ms Goan Marine Impex Pvt Ltd to set up a factory building to house the fish meal plant adjoining the Cuncolim Industrial Estate.
Hailing the decision, Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao has termed the CMC’s decision as a victory for the people of Cuncolim
In an order, Cuncolim Chief Officer Rajesh Sakhalkar has said the application seeking issuance of construction licence for the construction of the factory building, security and office building, store shed and compound wall stands rejected on the ground that the items mentioned in application for construction licence are not found eligible for grant of construction licence.
Citing a host of reasons behind the decision to reject the application for construction license, the Chief Officer said the matter is presently sub judice given that the Cuncolim Municipal Council has challenged before the Administrative Tribunal the legality and validity of the Consent to Establish the plant granted by the Goa State Pollution Control Board.
The Chief Officer has further stated that it has been revealed after perusal of the records that as per the site plan of the Municipal Acquired Land bearing Survey No. 340/1, some parcel of the land next to the approach road (opposite Garbage Treatment Plant) is shown as open space. He further referred to the resolution dated 07/04/2017 stating that the open space is marked for public burial ground and cemeteries.
Referring to the municipal road presently being utilized for movement of municipal garbage collection vehicles and transportation of municipal solid waste to the Garbage Treatment Plant for day-to-day municipal solid waste management operations, the Chief Officer further observed that the road was constructed 15 years back with bituminous carpet/full grout and is not shown on the RP 2001. “The proposed road in the municipal acquired land has not notified by this Council as public road as such cannot be treated as approved municipal road and public road”, he said.
The Chief Officer has further referred to a complaint received from Dr Jorson Fernandes, alleging unauthorized/illegal construction of an access road passing through Survey No. 340/1 and 340/2. “The said issue raises concerns regarding encroachment, right of way, and legality of access, which are crucial for granting any construction licence”, the Chief officer stated, while rejecting the application for construction licence.
Meanwhile, Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao has termed the CMC’s decision as a victory for the people of Cuncolim, saying he had consistently opposed this plant in the Assembly and before the government because it poses a grave threat to our environment and community health.
“I had earlier written to the Chief Minister, the Pollution Control Board, and other authorities demanding rejection of licences for the project. The issue was raised by me in the Goa Legislative Assembly, warning that the proposed plant would endanger public health, pollute the environment, and violate the rights of Cuncolim residents”, he said.
He added: “When we are opposing the pollution done by the fish meal plants in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, how can government even think of granting permission to new project. We are decisive and will not allow any move of the government to pollute Cuncolim.,” Alemao said.
He said the CMC has rejected the project after detailed site inspection and verification of records, which revealed serious deviations in road alignment, encroachment concerns, and lack of council approval for access roads.
