MARGAO
With the patience of Cuncolkars running out over pollution at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has demanded a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the area in the vicinity of the industrial estate.
“In the absence of an Effluent Treatment Plant, fish processing units have been discharging untreated water into local water bodies, resulting in severe contamination. Frequent closure notices issued by the Goa Pollution Control Board emphasise the ongoing violations; however, these closure orders are often swiftly revoked,” Alemao stated in a letter.
He added: “Along with hazardous waste dumped in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, the escalating levels of water and air pollution in Cuncolim, particularly due to the fish processing units and steel manufacturing units at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, demand an immediate and thorough investigation as people are facing health issues.”
Yuri pointed out that the groundwater assessments reveal disturbingly high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), alongside elevated nutrient concentrations such as nitrates and phosphorus. “The situation is exacerbated by eutrophication, contributing to the degradation of water quality. As a result, local water bodies are transformed into hazardous environments unsuitable for consumption by both humans and livestock,” he said.
The Opposition leader further pointed out that the degradation of water and air quality in Cuncolim is closely linked to the alarming rise in health issues among local residents, primarily respiratory ailments and gastrointestinal disorders due to unsafe drinking water. These conditions jeopardise the well-being of the community, emphasising the urgent need for a coordinated response to safeguard public health,” he said.
He added: “Additionally, air pollution from nearby steel factories in Cuncolim presents another critical issue. Residents have reported significant amounts of black soot in surrounding areas, indicative of poorly monitored operations. Alarmingly, the audits carried out by the GPCB have overlooked the external conditions affecting the community, neglecting to address the grievances highlighted by local residents.”
“Disturbingly, contaminated water is being utilised for cattle, posing risks for both livestock health and the safety of the milk supplied to consumers,” he said while demanding a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involving reputable experts.
