MAPUSA
Maintaining the pressure against the Berger Becker paint company, the Saipem Villagers Anti-Pollution Front has written to the Indian Paint Coating Association (IPCA) demanding immediate revocation of the membership of the Berger Becker from the association and to direct the company to shut down its operation in Pilerne and relocate it away from the residential area.
The Convenor of Saipem Villagers Anti-Pollution Front, Assis Cardozo said the recent fire incident involving the paint company has left lasting impression on the minds of the villagers as the poisonous fumes of the fire created serious health hazard, polluting the air and water in the village.
He said the effect of the man-made mishap will have serious repercussions on the people living in the village, which is hardly 100 metres from the paint factory.
“Even after two weeks of the fire incident, the effects of chemical hazards can be seen in the air as smoke still erupts from the fire site and obnoxious odour can be felt by the people while breathing,” he said and further added that the pollutants from the factory have affected the natural water reservoirs as most of the wells in the village have been contaminated.
“As a responsible and conscious body of the paint industry which believes in sustainability, green practices, reducing recycling and less usage of hazardous raw materials, we appeal to take a humanitarian aspect and convey your strong recommendation of relocation of the factory in the interest of the village,” Cardozo said.
The front said since Indian Paint Coating Association was the official industry/trade body of the paints and coatings industry it decided to place the dangerous and life-threatening situation of the villagers before the body.
“We hope you will take pro-people steps and prevail upon the Berger Becker paint company to relocate its factory from its present site at the Pilerne Industrial Estate,” Cardozo appealed.
