MARGAO
The proclamation issued by the Department of Industries inviting objections to a proposal by Ms Shirdi Steel Re-Rollers Pvt Ltd to install two new machines to enhance its existing production capacity in Cuncolim has come under scrutiny from the local population.
This marks the second project—after the proposed fish meal plant—to have received in-principle approval from the Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (IPFB) for setting up operations in Cuncolim outside the IDC limits. The proposal involves two parcels of land with a combined area of 16,309 square metres, including land owned by the Sociedade Agricola dos Gauncares de Cuncolim e Veroda.
While anti-pollution activists are preparing to file formal objections to the project within the stipulated one-month period, several questions remain unanswered. Chief among them is how the Investment Promotion Board granted in-principle approval for the expansion of a steel rolling unit outside the jurisdiction of the Cuncolim Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), even as the local population continues its long-standing struggle to shut down polluting industries operating within the IDC.
Residents fear that permitting such expansions beyond the IDC limits will only exacerbate environmental degradation and undermine their efforts to safeguard public health. They argue that allowing industrial activity to spill into outside the IDC limits sets a dangerous precedent and contradicts the government’s stated commitment to sustainable development.
Locals have warned that they will strongly oppose the project if authorities fail to address their concerns during the objection and hearing process.
