Pollution in Cuncolim poses health risks, EIA needed: LoP Yuri Alemao

Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Stating that pollution caused by fish meals and steel units has threatened environmental integrity and public health, Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Monday demanded a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involving reputable experts.
Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao on Monday addressed a press conference along with villagers and said that fish processing units have been discharging untreated water into local water bodies, resulting in severe contamination. He also warned the government to approach the court to seek justice.
He said that the Groundwater assessments reveal disturbingly high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), alongside elevated nutrient concentrations such as nitrates and phosphorus.
“The situation is exacerbated by eutrophication, contributing to the degradation of water quality. As a result, local water bodies are transformed into hazardous environments unsuitable for consumption by both humans and livestock,” Alemao said.
“Air pollution from nearby steel factories in Cuncolim presents another critical issue. Residents have reported significant amounts of black soot in surrounding areas, indicative of poorly monitored operations. Alarmingly, the audits carried out by the Goa Pollution Control Board have overlooked the external conditions affecting the community, neglecting to address the grievances highlighted by local residents,” he said.
Alemao said that respiratory issues among residents have become increasingly prevalent, with anecdotal evidence suggesting a decline in overall health due to air quality deterioration.
“Water quality assessments have similarly shown groundwater becoming unsuited for human consumption. Disturbingly, contaminated water is being utilized for cattle, posing risks for both livestock health and the safety of the milk supplied to consumers,” he said.
“After complaints, authorities issue closure notices and then de-seal these units by taking environmental compensation of mere Rs 7,812 and guarantee of Rs 1 lakh. Turnover of these units is in crores of rupees, hence this compensation is like ‘doit’ for them,” he said.
He said that these formalities of serving closure notices and then revoking them need to be investigated by the competent authority.
“Some persons with a Portuguese passport seem to be dealing and carrying Indian bags filled with euros from Cuncolim Industrial Estate. Hence, a green signal is being given to these pollution units and de-sealing them. Without demand for bags, pollution can’t turn into non-pollution,” Alemao said.
He said that the distillery and other polluted units, including fish meals were ordered shut down by authorities after finding that they failed to setset upe Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).
Stating that the discharge of untreated water has contaminated groundwater, Yuri Alemao asked authorities to check if the unit manufacturing ‘John Paul’ single malt whisky is using bore well water and if it is mixed with toxic flavour.
“People from abroad consuming this whisky are not aware of the pollution taking place at the manufacturing site, their health may be at risk,” Alemao raised concerns.
He demanded that a comprehensive audit of the entire village be carried out, including the study of health records and respiratory issues among residents.
“Close down all polluted units until they adhere to norms. We will approach the country to seek justice,” he said.