‘Illegal’ biz creating nuisance in Calvim: Locals
MAPUSA
Locals in Calvim, Aldona, are up in arms against a controversial piggery business in their locality even as the owner claims that his business was legal and has all necessary permissions.
In a written complaint, the locals have said that the piggery business which is in the residential area has been creating nuisance to people residing there.
“The business is being conducted illegally without any permission from the authority. Besides emanating foul smell, all dirt and waste water flows on the public road, thereby creating nuisance to the residents around,” the complaint said.
The complaint further said the owner of the piggery has not obtained any license/approvals from the health department or the local panchayat. It also said there was no proper arrangement made to drain the dirty water originating from the piggery.
“The dirty water is kept stagnant in the area, thereby causing foul smell. It also becomes a perfect breeding place for mosquitoes,” the residents said.
The residents fear that if the piggery business was allowed to run the way it was run now, then the whole village could be vulnerable to illnesses.
The owner of the piggery, Melvyn Fernandes said he has got permission from the local panchayat to run the business.
“I have all the necessary licences. The dirty water on the road is not from my farm but from some open toilets and bathrooms in the area,” Fernandes said.
He also said the complaint against him was fabricated and some of the residents were out to create trouble for him.
In the complaint, the residents have also asked the authorities concerned to inspect the site and take immediate action against the nuisance created in their area.
The complaint was addressed to the Chief Minister, Health Minister, local MLA and the authorities concerned.
Based on the complaint, the local health officials from Aldona Primary Health Centre and the Aldona Panchayat recently conducted a joint inspection of the piggery.
“We conducted a joint inspection of the piggery along with the local panchayat. We will prepare a report and hand it over to the panchayat for necessary action,” said Dr Manish Gavnekar, Medical Officer at Aldona PHC.
Sources disclosed that the owner was issued NOC by the local panchayat to run the piggery business at his residence.
Aldona Sarpanch Trisha Naik said although there was no official complaint made to the panchayat they were awaiting for the health officer’s report to take necessary action on the issue.
“We are waiting for the report of the health officer and accordingly decide on our future course of action,” Naik said.
