Staff Reporter
Margao
Following a report by the Balli Primary Health Centre (PHC) that has found that residents living near the Cuncolim industrial estate are suffering from various health issues, Leader of Opposition and Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao on
Tuesday urged Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to conduct a comprehensive health impact assessment for the area.
According to the report, residents living near the industrial estate are suffering from respiratory problems, skin allergies, asthma, cancer, chronic kidney diseases, sinus issues, and tuberculosis.
The PHC survey, covering 449 households in areas including Simplear, Kegdicotto, Masconi, Bellathemb, Gullecotto, Bhatti, Takaband, and IDC, revealed 28 cases of respiratory problems, 29 cases of skin allergies, 11 cases of asthma, and one case of chronic kidney disease. Additionally, eight people were found to have sinus problems, two had a past history of tuberculosis, one was diagnosed with psoriasis, and one with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In his letter to Rane, Alemao acknowledged the value of the PHC report, but said that it covered only a small area. He urged the minister to expand the study to the entire Cuncolim municipal area to gain a clearer picture of the problem.
Several residents also reported foul smells, dust allergies, and eye irritation.
Alemao, who has previously raised concerns over pollution in the industrial estate, said residents have long complained about health issues linked to environmental hazards.
“In this survey, people have complained about pollution and foul smells, which they are allergic to. I had raised this issue during the zero hour of the recently concluded assembly session, and the Health Minister assured me that a survey of the Cuncolim municipal area would be conducted,” he said.
He also called for an immediate investigation into hazardous waste dumping and escalating air and water pollution, particularly from fish processing and steel manufacturing units at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate.
