Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Panic and anger spread through the Canacona Industrial Estate at Shristhal on Monday after toxic molasses waste from a damaged storage tank was found being discharged into large, freshly dug open pits — an action that has triggered serious health, safety and environmental concerns for the locality and surrounding water bodies.
The waste, believed to belong to a defunct alcohol company, was emptied into unprotected pits dug adjacent to the damaged tank, raising fears of groundwater contamination and harm to the nearby Kalwade stream, the Talpona river and the coastal ecosystem downstream. A strong stench engulfed the area, causing immediate distress to residents.
As word spread, furious citizens gathered at the site, demanding that authorities immediately remove the hazardous material and initiate criminal action against those responsible. Locals also warned that the overflowing pits pose a threat to cattle that frequently stray into the area.
Mystery surrounds the decision to dump the toxic waste onsite. The procedure reportedly has no approval from either the Sub-Divisional Magistrate/Deputy Collector or the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), which had only permitted the transportation of the molasses, not its disposal.
It may be recalled that Canacona SDM and Dy. Collector Prataprao Naik Gaunkar had ordered the removal of the molasses from the damaged tank. However, the method adopted by those executing the removal is now under scrutiny, with officials confirming that the dug-up pits were neither authorised nor scientifically safe.
With the pits now filled to the brim and overflowing on one end, fears of seepage into the land and water bodies have intensified. The incident prompted Minister Ramesh Tawadkar and the Deputy Collector to visit the site and review the situation firsthand.
Authorities are expected to issue directions regarding the safe removal of the waste and initiate action against the violators.
