MARGAO: Following the health-related complaints from locals due to pollution taking place in Cuncolim Industrial Estate, the Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant demanding to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Cuncolim, within the vicinity of the Industrial Estate.
“In the absence of an Effluent Treatment Plant, Fish processing units have been discharging untreated water into local water bodies, resulting in severe contamination. Frequent closure notices issued by the Goa Pollution Control Board emphasize the ongoing violations; however, these closure orders are often swiftly revoked,” Alemao stated in the letter.
He said that along with hazardous waste dumped in Cuncolim Industrial Estate, the escalating levels of water and air pollution in Cuncolim, particularly due to the fish processing units, Steel manufacturing units at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, demand immediate and thorough investigation as people are facing health issues.
“Groundwater assessments reveal disturbingly high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), alongside elevated nutrient concentrations such as nitrates and phosphorus. The situation is exacerbated by eutrophication, contributing to the degradation of water quality. As a result, local water bodies are transformed into hazardous environments unsuitable for consumption by both humans and livestock,” Cuncolim MLA Alemao said.
“The degradation of water and air quality in Cuncolim is closely linked to the alarming rise in health issues among residents, primarily respiratory ailments and gastrointestinal disorders due to unsafe drinking water. These conditions jeopardize the well-being of the community, emphasizing the urgent need for a coordinated response to safeguard public health,” he said.
“Additionally, air pollution from nearby steel factories in Cuncolim presents another critical issue. Residents have reported significant amounts of black soot in surrounding areas, indicative of poorly monitored operations. Alarmingly, the audits carried out by the GPCB have overlooked the external conditions affecting the community, neglecting to address the grievances highlighted by residents,” he said.
“Disturbingly, contaminated water is being utilized for cattle, posing risks for both livestock health and the safety of the milk supplied to consumers. In light of these pressing issues, I urgently demand to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involving reputable experts,” he demanded.
