CANACONA
Residents of the Shristhal Industrial Estate in Canacona are facing a growing environmental crisis as a large molasses tank”once part of a now-defunct alcohol factory”has developed visible cracks and a pinhole leak, releasing a strongly odorous, possibly poisonous liquid waste into the surrounding area.
The tank, which began tilting dangerously to one side over four months ago (since mid-June), has now worsened with liquid waste seeping through a small hole. Locals report a heavy, unbearable stench emanating from the site, with the affected area around the leak showing a burnt white residue on the ground.
Despite residents alerting authorities soon after the tank first began tilting, no preventive measures have been taken to shift the tank’s contents or contain the leak. Officials had only conducted inspections and a drone survey to assess the damage but failed to act decisively.
Speaking to the press, aggrieved residents expressed grave concerns about the potential environmental disaster. They fear contamination of nearby paddy fields, water bodies including the Kushawati and Talpona rivers, and even the adjacent seawater.
Shristhal Panchayat’s Deputy Sarpanch Deshmukh acknowledged the residents' worries but no concrete steps have been reported yet to address the escalating situation.
In response, locals have announced plans to gather at the site on Monday morning to demand immediate government intervention and accountability for the prolonged inaction, warning that the disaster could threaten their very existence if left unchecked.
This developing situation calls for urgent attention from environmental authorities and government agencies to prevent a larger catastrophe.
