MAPUSA
Cuncolim, a hub for fish processing in Goa, continues to face operational disruptions as a fish meal plant and fish processing units are among the six industrial units which were recently sealed, pending compliance with environmental regulations.
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has confirmed that these units are yet to resume operations after receiving show-cause notices for violating pollution control norms.
According to the GSPCB chairman, Mahesh Patil the industrial units have responded to the board’s show-cause notices, acknowledging the breaches and initiating corrective measures.
However, they are required to fulfill additional steps before they can reopen.
“The fish processing units have replied to the show-cause notices we issued. We have asked them to pay certain fines and submit a bank guarantee to ensure compliance with our environmental standards. Once these requirements are met, the units will be allowed to resume their operations,” Patil said.
The chairman emphasised that the closures are part of the board’s stringent enforcement of environmental regulations aimed at curbing pollution in the Cuncolim industrial area.
The bank guarantees, he explained, are a safeguard to ensure that the units follow through on their commitments to maintaining pollution control measures.
Six industrial units, including a fish meal plant, fish processing units and a distillery, were recently sealed by the GSPCB after inspections revealed that wastewater and effluents were discharged in the open drains at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate.
The Board’s action was triggered following protests by local residents against environmental pollution in the industrial area.
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira also took serious note of the issue and asked the GSPCB to ensure that the industrial units complied with all directions before they were allowed to open.
