NT NETWORK
Margao
Following complaints from several locals and the inspection conducted by Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) regarding the release of untreated waste into borewells in Cuncolim industrial estate, residents and the local MLA have said that the polluting industrial units should face strict action.
Based on complaints of Cuncolim residents against the industries, a ground penetration survey was conducted by a private company which showed the presence of borewells connected with chambers/ pits/ pipes under concrete slabs and that they were being used to discharge effluents.
This practice was in violation of environmental norms and the GSPCB along with PWD officials and Salcete joint mamlatdar conducted an inspection to verify the findings of the survey. Speaking to this daily, MLA Clafasio Dias said such illegality has to be met with strict action.
“There are so many complaints from locals who have said that the water in their wells is contaminated. The last time the Chief Minister had come, we had a meeting with him and he had said he would inspect and start an inquiry into it. Some industries release waste water into the borewells, which then makes way into the wells of people nearby. People have said that there is a lot of smell and oil in their wells. We want to stop this illegality because people are suffering. Chief Minister had also said that strict action would be taken against such industries. In the next ten days, we will get the final report and based on which strict action will be initiated against the industries,” he said.
A resident and ENT specialist Dr Jorson Fernandes, one of the persons who had complained against the polluting industries, said it was time to question the polluting units.
“There are around eight to ten borewells in one company that are dug without permission and covered, where they release hazardous waste into it that affects the people. The other question is what is the capacity of effluent treatment plants of the industrial units. If they produce a certain amount and if their treatment plants treat a certain amount, what happens to the excess? What is done with it,” he
asked.
He added that by such malpractice, the groundwater will be destroyed including nearby fields and water bodies.
“When the canals are started, the waste will be dumped there. The effluents will end up in the fields, wells and the groundwater will be destroyed,” said Fernandes, while questioning why the water resources department (WRD) was not looking into curbing such illegalities.
