MARGAO
While the long-awaited Urban Primary Health Centre in Cuncolim is finally set to become a reality, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant scheduled to lay the foundation stone on Friday, residents are keen to know whether his visit will also address pressing environmental concerns.
Cuncolkars are expected to look to the Chief Minister for clarity on steps to curb pollution at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, an issue that has remained a longstanding concern for the local community.
Questions are also being raised on whether Sawant will respond to the growing opposition in Cuncolim over a proposed fish meal plant near the industrial estate, as well as the surge in mega housing projects within the municipal limits.
For years, residents have waged a sustained battle against pollution emanating from the Cuncolim IDC. A major concern remains the hazardous waste left behind by Sunrise Zinc, which continues to lie unattended at the site. Despite government assurances two years ago that the waste would be transported to the hazardous landfill facility at Pissurlem, not a single consignment has reportedly been cleared so far.
Adding to the concerns are proposed mega housing projects at Panzorcone and Veroda, where developers plan to construct close to 200 apartments, complete with modern amenities such as swimming pools.
