Team Goemkarponn
BETHORA-NIRANKAL: Residents’ concerns over foul odour from industrial units at Bethora-Nirankal remain in focus after a recent inspection found that an unpleasant smell could still be detected within the premises of United Spirits and United Breweries. The inspection team, however, noted that the odour appeared to have reduced.
The joint inspection was carried out on the directions of the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC), which is examining complaints about odour pollution allegedly affecting people in the area.
As recorded in the report dated September 23, the team did not observe any discharge from either unit into the Bethora nullah during its visit. Nevertheless, the smell had not disappeared entirely from the industrial premises.
Both companies informed the inspection team about steps being taken to address the issue. United Breweries stated that it had outlined measures to control the odour within a specified timeframe.
United Spirits reported testing bio-enzymes and biological agents intended to control odour at selected points in its treatment system. It also said that barriers, netting and containment arrangements had been put in place to limit the spread of the smell due to wind.
Meanwhile, the Goa State Pollution Control Board collected treated wastewater samples from the effluent treatment plants (ETPs) and sewage treatment plants (STPs) operated by the two units.
The report does not confirm whether the measures adopted by the companies have achieved the intended results. It also does not include the findings of the wastewater tests.
Officials from the Pollution Control Board and the Health Department, along with representatives of the Bethora-Nirankal village panchayat, participated in the inspection.
The GHRC took up the matter on its own initiative in July after complaints from local residents about persistent foul odour and alleged pollution linked to nearby industries. It subsequently issued notices to six government authorities and ordered a joint inspection.
The Commission’s intervention followed media coverage of the problems reportedly faced by residents in the vicinity of the industrial units.
