NT Reporter
Cuncolim
Locals on Saturday welcomed the commencement of the long-pending removal of legacy hazardous waste at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had last month assured that the Rs 13 crore work would begin in May.
As the work began on Saturday morning, Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao said the removal of hazardous waste was a significant step but not the end of the fight against pollution. He said he would oppose any new fish meal plants in the area.
Alemao was speaking after the Goa Waste Management Corporation began lifting hazardous waste from the estate for transport to the waste treatment, storage and disposal facility at Pissurlem. “Finally, we, the people of Cuncolim, have compelled the government to take action on the hazardous waste lying in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate. After persistent demands and continuous follow-ups, the government has begun removing 50,000 MT of hazardous waste from the estate,” he said.
He said the waste, which had been causing pollution in the surrounding areas, would be removed in phases, with the operation carried out in two stages before and after the monsoon.
“I am grateful to all those who stood with me in this fight against pollution. This is not the end of our struggle. We will continue to raise our voices against fish meal units and other sources of pollution affecting our community. Ultimately, this is about protecting people’s health and lives,” he said.
He spoke on the impact of the waste on local residents, saying no one had taken responsibility for its disposal. “I raised this issue in the Assembly and made efforts to ensure it is transported. The situation was highly harmful, and people have suffered health problems due to the pollution caused. It is an emotional moment, as residents have been affected by this pollution. This was a black spot,” he said.
He said that polluting industries were a “curse” to Cuncolim and said this marked the first step towards cleaning up the industrial estate. “I assure that no new fish meal plants will be allowed in Cuncolim. This estate is not benefiting the people here, and we will not permit fish meal units,” he said.
