Team Goemkarponn
Canacona: Disaster struck at Shristhal in Canacona after a highly corroded molasses tank partially collapsed during dismantling, releasing a large quantity of toxic waste into the open and triggering panic among residents.
The incident occurred while workers were cutting a portion of the old tank. According to company supervisors, one large metal plate of the tank suddenly gave way, resulting in the toxic solvent overflowing into the surrounding area. The uncontrolled flow led to the formation of a large pool of waste, emitting an unbearable stench across the locality and causing irritation in the environment.
Furious residents confronted Dy. Collector/SDO Prataprao Gaonkar, alleging unethical handling and discharge of toxic waste that they claim has contaminated nearby water bodies and endangered public health. Locals accused the authorities of being supportive of the company and risking the lives of people by allowing faulty dismantling and disposal practices.
Shristhal BMC Chairman Vinay Tubki stated that villagers had earlier demanded that the highly toxic molasses waste be shifted out of the area before dismantling began. “Instead of removing it completely, some of the waste was disposed of in specially excavated trenches, and a large amount remains stored in tanks, including two ground-level tanks nearby. This is not proper disposal. It is a clear betrayal of the assurance given to the people,” he alleged.
Residents further claimed that the company appeared more interested in removing valuable scrap material than in safely transporting the hazardous waste. They pointed out that while much of the scrap from dismantling has been taken away, the molasses waste has merely been shifted within the vicinity.
Company officials maintained that the tank, which was 90 per cent filled, had already developed cracks and tilted to one side, posing a risk of sudden collapse. They stated that nearly half of the contents had been transferred to nearby tanks and trenches, and the upper portion was being dismantled to prevent further damage. However, during the cutting process, a section of the tank collapsed below its level, resulting in seepage of toxic waste into the open.
Following the confrontation, Dy. Collector Prataprao Gaonkar and Canacona SDPO/DySP Nilesh Rane directed the company to submit a detailed plan of action by Thursday outlining how it intends to proceed with dismantling and waste disposal without causing further environmental or safety hazards.
Despite repeated assurances from officials that the company would not be allowed to leave the site without completing the required safety measures, angry residents continued to voice their concerns.
Canacona Police Inspector Pravin Gawas, along with a police contingent, was present at the site to maintain law and order. Shristhal former Sarpanch Prashant Desai, BMC Chairman Vinay Tubki, and several other residents highlighted what they termed as serious lapses in environmental safeguards and demanded strict accountability.
