The state of hazardous zinc waste dump at the Cuncolim IDC. (Right) Waste flowing down from the dump due to heavy rains.
MARGAO
Fresh concerns have surfaced over environmental safety at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate after hazardous zinc waste stored at the site was left exposed to heavy monsoon rains when protective tarpaulin sheets were torn away by strong winds.
The incident has triggered outrage among residents and environmental activists, who alleged that despite the protective cover being damaged several weeks ago, no government agency or contractor took timely steps to replace the tarpaulin or prevent rainwater from coming into contact with the hazardous waste.
Residents fear that contaminated runoff from the exposed waste dump has been flowing into adjoining water bodies and agricultural fields, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment.
The issue was brought to light on Thursday morning by anti-industrial pollution activist Aviraj Desai, who visited the site and documented the condition of the hazardous waste dump. Following his inspection, Desai lodged a formal complaint at the Cuncolim Police Station, seeking criminal action against those responsible, including the contractor entrusted with maintaining the site.
Sources said the tarpaulin sheets covering the hazardous zinc waste were blown away by strong winds earlier this month. Since then, residents claimed that no officials from the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), or the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) had visited the site to assess the situation or ensure that the waste was adequately secured.
Addressing the media, Desai questioned the apparent negligence of the authorities in handling hazardous waste, particularly during the peak monsoon season.
“We have been informed that transporting the hazardous zinc waste from the Cuncolim Industrial Estate to the hazardous landfill facility at Pissurlem will cost the government nearly Rs 13 crore. If such a huge amount is to be spent on disposal, why were good-quality tarpaulin sheets not used to safely cover the waste during the monsoon?” he asked.
Desai further alleged that when the matter was raised with the IDC field manager, he was informed that the IDC had no responsibility for the hazardous waste dump. “We questioned the IDC field manager about the authorities’ failure to safeguard the hazardous waste, but he simply stated that the IDC has nothing to do with the dump,” Desai claimed.
In his complaint to the police, Desai pointed out that the GSPCB had directed that the hazardous waste be kept properly covered, especially during the rainy season, to prevent contamination.
“Despite these directions, the hazardous waste has remained uncovered for more than 20 days. Continuous rainfall has resulted in water accumulating within the premises and overflowing into nearby water bodies and agricultural fields,” he stated.
He alleged that it was the responsibility of the contractor engaged to manage the hazardous waste to ensure that the dump remained securely covered at all times and to prevent environmental contamination.
Desai urged the police to investigate why the hazardous waste was left exposed during heavy rains, resulting in the possible contamination of surrounding water bodies and farmland, thereby endangering public health and the environment.
He also requested the police to identify the officials and contractors responsible for the lapse and register an FIR under the relevant provisions of law for negligence.
