Mormugao Deputy Collector Bhagwant Karmali, Cortalim MLA Anton Vaz and other officials inspect the contamination detected in a well at the Sancoale Church.
VASCO
Mormugao Deputy Collector Bhagwant Karmali along with Cortalim MLA Anton Vaz convened a joint meeting of multiple departments on Monday, to assess the situation arising out of fuel contamination detected in a well at the premises of Our Lady of Health Church at Sancoale.
Officials from the Water Resources Department, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department, Civil Supplies and the Goa State Pollution Control Board attended the meeting. Representatives of fuel handling company Zuari Indian Oil Aviation Private Limited and two nearby petrol pumps were also called for discussions as part of the probe into the source of contamination.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the situation on the ground and discussed immediate and long-term measures to address the issue.
Samples from the well have been collected and sent for analysis, while nearby wells, springs and water bodies have also been inspected. Authorities stated that no contamination has been detected in surrounding areas so far.
Speaking to the media, Sriprasad Nayak of Zuari Indian Oil Aviation Private Limited said their infrastructure was located far from the contaminated well and ruled out any link.
“Our pipelines end at our terminal and do not extend to this location. There are several water bodies, fields and wells between our terminal and this site, all of which are clear. If there was any connection, those areas would have been affected first,” he said, adding that the company would extend support to the administration in monitoring and resolving the issue.
MLA Anton Vaz said steps are being initiated to contain the contamination and identify its source.
“We plan to pump out the contaminated water and store it in barrels, and then observe if fresh contamination occurs. There are petrol pumps at a higher level in the vicinity, and we have asked for inspection of their storage systems to check for leakages,” he said.
He added that authorities would continue consultations with all stakeholders before taking further action.
Deputy Collector Bhagwant Karmali said the matter was first flagged by the fire department after traces of fuel were noticed in the well.
“All departments have collected samples and reports are awaited. Petrol pumps in the area have been directed to inspect their tanks, while police have been asked to examine CCTV footage to rule out any foul play,” he said.
Authorities are expected to review the situation again after initial findings are received.
