Pollution Control Board approves restarting of sealed fish meal plants in Cuncolim Estate
Panjim: After two fishing units in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate submitted compliance reports, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) Chairman Mahesh Patil announced the opening of the seals of the establishments, allowing them to resume their operations. Will get it. The closure was initially imposed due to several violations.
However, activists and local residents are not convinced that pollution from these factories will stop and have called for continued close monitoring of these “habitual offenders”.
Emphasizing that there is scope for improvement, Chairman Patil informed that the GSPCB has completed 80% audit of industries in Cuncolim Industrial Estate. I have urged all the factories to implement necessary reforms within a given time frame.
Patil also noted positive changes, saying: “The overall air quality in Cuncolim Industrial Estate has improved and water pollution guidelines have been met with the construction of above ground sewage treatment plants.”
Addressing concerns over hazardous waste, Patil assured that the state government has sanctioned Rs five lakh, which will be released soon. He said: “The hazardous waste will be taken to an officially recognized site at Ponda Industrial Estate.”
Responding to a complaint filed by Cuncolim local Aviraj Fadte Desai alleging large-scale illegal wells and unauthorized resource extraction in Cuncolim Industrial Estate, Patil assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. Fadte Desai had expressed concern over the government’s inaction despite complaints lodged against a steel and fishmeal plant in February last year.
Social activist Dr Jorson Fernandes, a seasoned anti-pollution campaigner for companies in the Cuncolim industrial area, expressed skepticism about the reopening and called the companies habitual offenders. Dr Fernandes called for strict and continuous monitoring by the GSPCB to prevent contamination.
In a related development in November, Margao Deputy Collector Ravishekhar Nipanikar directed Global Ispat Ltd to rectify illegal land conversions and alterations in Cuncolim village. Cuncolim Police Station was directed to stop further unauthorized activities and the Deputy Collector was informed for necessary action.
A checklist prepared by the Mamlatdar of Salcete highlighted the use of non-agricultural land in Cuncolim village without prior permission.
