LoP urges authorities to proactively act against other illegal & polluting units
MARGAO
In a major development that may raise serious concern amongst the people of Cuncolim plagued by industrial pollution over the years, the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has recommended immediate closure of a steel unit at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate.
The GEAC headed by Chairman Gautam Desai has unanimously decided to recommend to the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority for immediate closure of the unit.
Cuncolim MLA and Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao has warned that the GEAC action is a strong message to all illegal & polluting units of Cuncolim Industrial Estate. Asserting that health of the people is paramount, Yuri has urged the authorities to proactively act against other illegal & polluting units as well before it is too late.
The issue of the steel unit came up at the 64th meeting of the Goa-SEAC held on 14th December under the Chairmanship of Gautam Desai to decide on violation by the steel unit.
During the inspection of the steel unit, the Committee had observed that the respective Project Proponent has not obtained prior Environmental Clearance.
That’s not all. The steel industry is operational without even installation of proper chimney as on today which causes massive air pollution, the committee had observed.
Referring to the office Memorandum dated 7th July 2021 issued by MoEF&CC cases where projects have either started the construction work or installation, on site without obtaining prior Environmental Clearance, are to be treated as violation, the Committee unanimously decided to recommend to the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority for immediate closure of the unit.
Reacting to the action taken by the GEAC against the steel unit, Opposition leader Yuri Alemao has said “This is just a beginning. After my Complaint Letter on 5th December 2022, Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee now decides to recommend to Goa Environment Impact Assessment Authority for immediate closure of the Steel Pvt Ltd in Cuncolim Industrial Estate.”
He added: “This is a strong message to all illegal & polluting units of Cuncolim Industrial Estate. Health of the people is paramount. I once again urge authorities to proactively act against other illegal & polluting units as well before it is too late.”
Reacting to the recommendation made by Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee to Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority to close down illegally operating steel unit, Cuncolim MLA has said that he will not keep quiet till all such units are shut permanently.
“Since last many years Cuncolim residents have been facing the menace of air and water pollution due to illegal operations of various steel units and fish mills in Cuncolim Industrial Estate. I am happy that authorities have taken cognizance of the alarm raised by me and acted swiftly. I hope the government authorities will continue to remain vigilant and put a permanent stop to all polluting units,” Yuri said.
Saying the Cuncolim Industrial Estate was established by the then Congress government to provide employment opportunities to the local youth, Yuri said, “Unfortunately, the present government has allowed the industrial units to operate illegally. There are no jobs available, but there is pollution available in plenty in Cuncolim.”
The Opposition leader has appealed to the government to activate all departments and keep a close watch on the operations of the units in Cuncolim. “Some units are causing huge loss to State revenue by illegal productions beyond specified limits. Monitoring system needs to be put in place immediately,” he added.
