Force Health dept, GSPCB for inspection of storm water drain
MARGAO
Sao Jose de Areal village on Tuesday witnessed uproar after villagers as well as farmers complained of industrial effluents released in the storm water drain, which later found its way in the water bodies and agricultural fields.
In fact, the villagers led by social activist Freddy Travasso called up the Health Department and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to conduct an inspection of the water body at the Portuguese-era culvert which was recently renovated by the villagers. Velim MLA Cruz Silva, Zilla panchayat member Michele Rebello, besides some of the Areal panchayat members were present for the inspection on Tuesday evening.
While Curtorim Health Officer, Dr Nadkarni pointed out that the Health office will direct the fish processing unit to improve the hygiene inside the plant and to stop discharge of the effluents in the drains, the GSPCB is expected to collect water samples from the fields and water bodies on Wednesday.
The owner of the fish processing plant, however, denied the allegations that the unit is responsible for the contamination of the water bodies and the agricultural fields. He said the unit has the permission to discharge around 8,000 litres of water per day in his plantations. “The unit is in no way involved in the discharge of effluents in the water bodies. We deny the allegations,” the owner said.
A farmer Inacio D’Souza told the media that the fish odour has been emanating from his fields, suspecting that it could be because of the discharge of the fish effluents from the unit.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva said he would call for a joint inspection by the Health Department and the GSPCB in order to resolve the issue. “This is a serious issue affecting the health of the citizens of Areal. No effluents should be discharged in the storm water drains. We will ensure that this is stopped at the earliest,” he said.
Curtorim Health Officer, Dr Nadkarni said the office will issue notice to the unit to maintain hygiene inside the unity.
Curtorim ZP member Michele Rebello said it’s now two years since the villagers have been facing the issue of pollution, lamenting that no positive outcome has come out of the previous inspections by the GSPCB.
Former ZP member Moreno Rebello warned that people would march to the Curtorim health office if the officials do not immediately act against the unit responsible for the pollution.
Deputy Sarpanch Valente Fernandes said he had recently raised the issue with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant by calling for a total stop to the pollution of the water bodies in Areal.
Social activist Freddy Travasso later told the media that the villagers are not against the industrial units doing business in the village, but warned of action if the pollution and contamination of the water bodies is not stopped immediately.
