Panchayat warns garbage trucks could be stopped amid foul-smell complaints
VALPOI
Controversy has erupted over a waste processing project operating in the Pissurlem Industrial Estate, where large quantities of industrial waste are reportedly being transported from South Goa.
Local residents have alleged that the project has led to unhygienic conditions and foul smell in the surrounding areas, sparking strong resentment among the public.
Pissurlem Sarpanch Devanand Parab has warned that the panchayat may soon stop garbage-laden trucks from entering the area if the issue is not resolved, threatening to escalate the dispute between the Panchayat and the project management.
According to reports, several industrial projects are functioning within the Pissurlem Industrial Estate. For many years, locals have been demanding a ban on chemical-based industries in the area. However, no concrete action has been taken so far, and the number of such industries has reportedly continued to increase, leading to growing dissatisfaction among residents.
Around eight months ago, a new project was set up to process industrial waste generated from various industrial estates across the State and the management had assured that local residents would not face any inconvenience due to the project.
However, the Pissurlem panchayat had boycotted the inauguration ceremony after it allegedly did not receive an official invitation for the event.
Now, locals claim that the same project has become a major source of inconvenience.
Reports suggest that waste from certain industrial establishments in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate has been transported to the project site for processing over the past few months. As a result, foul smell and unhygienic conditions have reportedly spread in the surrounding areas.
The panchayat has alleged that the project management failed to inform or consult the local body before starting the waste transportation and processing activities. This has further widened the dispute between the panchayat and the management.
Several complaints have reportedly been received by the Panchayat from local residents regarding the problems caused by the waste.
Speaking on the matter, Sarpanch Devanand Parab said, “The Panchayat cannot remain silent when local residents are suffering because of this waste. We have received several complaints.”
“We repeatedly tried to contact the management, but there has been no response from their side. The management should have taken the panchayat into confidence before starting this process. Instead, it appears that the Panchayat is being completely ignored.”
“There is no option left now except to stop the garbage trucks. These vehicles may be blocked at any moment,” said Parab.
Parab also stated that local MLA Dr Deviya Rane has been informed about the matter.
