VASCO
In a historic victory for the Velsao fishing community, Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) agreed to dismantle a pipeline that had been submerged in the sea for 50 years.
This landmark decision came after intense advocacy by social workers Roquezinho D'Souza and Aliston Pinto, who recently brought the issue to the forefront.
The submerged pipeline had long been a source of pollution and concern for the local fishermen, who rely on the sea for their livelihood. The presence of pollutants had significantly impacted the marine ecosystem, affecting fish population and, consequently, the income of the fishing community.
D'Souza and Pinto highlighted the issue a few days ago, bringing it to the attention of Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Vas took prompt action. He approached the Pollution Control Board and requested a comprehensive test of the seawater in the affected area.
The subsequent report revealed alarming levels of ammonia in the seawater, directly linked to the pipeline. Armed with this evidence, Vas engaged in discussions with Paradeep Phosphates, urging them to take responsibility for the environmental damage and dismantle the pipeline.
Paradeep Phosphates responded positively to the findings and agreed to remove the pipeline, marking a significant win for the Velsao fishermen. The dismantling process is set to begin immediately, with measures in place to ensure minimal disruption to the marine environment during the removal.
D'Souza and Pinto expressed their gratitude to the Cortalim MLA for his swift and decisive action. They also thanked the local community and supporters who stood by them throughout this challenging period.
"This victory is a testament to the power of collective action and unwavering dedication to protecting our environment," said D'Souza. Pinto added, "We hope this sets a precedent for other environmental issues in the region, encouraging more proactive measures and accountability."
The dismantling of the pipeline is expected to restore the marine ecosystem gradually, offering renewed hope and opportunities for the Velsao fishing community. This victory underscores the importance of vigilant environmental stewardship and the significant impact of community-led advocacy.
