Locals fear ecological damage in area
A tilted molasses tank at Shristhal Industrial Estate in Canacona, which triggered public outrage and led to the sealing of a distillery unit after reports of leakage.
CANACONA
Two persons were arrested and a distillery unit at Shristhal Industrial Estate in Canacona was sealed following public outrage over the leakage of molasses from a tank.
According to sources, locals and activists gathered near the tank on Monday and then got in touch with the Canacona Deputy Collector, who had assured swift action to empty the molasses from the tank over three months ago.
The Deputy Collector-cum-Sub Divisional Magistrate, in turn, showed them the orders passed by his office regarding the clearing and shifting of molasses from the tank, which had tilted dangerously towards one side.
He then ordered the immediate arrest of two persons connected to the distillery and the sealing of the distillery unit.
A new company has recently taken over the distillery and about 700 tonnes of molasses had been removed by the previous owners and shifted elsewhere.
On June 12, the Deputy Collector had ordered the new company to immediately conduct a drone survey and structural stability test, and to take necessary measures to empty the tank to avert danger.
According to sources, the punitive action by the Deputy Collector/SDM was taken following public outrage over the leakage of molasses from the tank.
Locals are concerned that the leakage of molasses could lead to an ecological disaster which could affect paddy cultivation and destroy water bodies in the area. They had demanded action against the distillery company for not complying with the orders issued over two months ago.
According to sources, more people are likely to assemble and agitate against authorities for not getting the tank emptied in June itself, when it had already tilted dangerously and there were fears that molasses could leak from the damaged tank.
