Team Goemkarponn
QUEPEM: The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Quepem has granted bail to Sudesh Naik from Mirabag and Dinkar Pateli alias Ganesh, who were arrested by Curchorem Police for allegedly dumping chemical and industrial waste in an abandoned laterite quarry at Chanimol-Kalay, Sanguem, and subsequently setting it on fire.
Police investigations suggest that the duo was collecting waste from scrapyards and industrial units, including those in the Verna Industrial Estate, and transporting it to the quarry site.
The waste reportedly originated from areas such as Margao, Navelim, Colva, and nearby villages.
It is alleged that the contractor received around ₹10,000 per trip for transporting the waste, while the quarry owner was paid ₹4,000 per trip for permitting its disposal on the premises.
Sources claim the illegal dumping had been taking place for nearly a year.
Though local residents had earlier raised concerns with panchayat officials, the latter denied awareness of the issue, citing the absence of any written complaint.
After being exposed to toxic fumes for four consecutive days, villagers have urged the authorities to clear the site of hazardous waste before the onset of monsoon, fearing contamination of surrounding agricultural land and water bodies.
