MARGAO
With the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on the job to de-seal the industrial units at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, which were sealed for violating the provisions of the Water Act, people of Cuncolim and inhabitants staying outside the industrial estate have decided to maintain vigil on the pollution at the IDC.
Of the six units sealed a week ago, the GSPCB has de-sealed a distillery after imposing a fine of Rs 37,500 and after obtaining a bank guarantee of Rs 8 lakh.
Avi Desai, who has been spearheading the agitation against pollution at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate told the media along with the local people that the agitation against the pollution could go on unabated.
Demanding that the government address the pollution issues within 15 days, Desai said the people will not hesitate to come down on the roads against the pollution. He demanded to know why the visit of Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira was not informed to the local people waging a sustained agitation against pollution at the industrial estate. “We have been waging this struggle since 2006. We want to convey a message loud and clear to the government to stop playing games on pollution,” he said.
He added: “In the year 2021, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had visited the Cuncolim Industrial Estate along with then MLA Clafacio Dias. He had assured to resolve the issue within three months. The Chief Minister had even promised to place the reports before the Cuncolim Municipal Council. I do not think any report was sent to the CMC on the pollution.”
Local people said that the effluents discharged from the industrial estate is finding its way into the paddy fields, contaminating the water. “We have been facing many diseases including coughing. The government should stop the pollution at the Cuncolim IDC,” said Vincy Vaz.
Another woman Josephine said the inhabitants have to normally contend with black smoke in the month of November and December every year. “We cannot stay in the area. There’s foul odour emanating from the industrial estate. This is happening mostly during night time,” she said.
