Margao: The Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao, on Friday, warned that the people of Cuncolim will take the law into their own hands if the BJP government fails to take stern action against polluting fish meal and processing units.
Cuncolim villagers rushed to the site after the fish meal and processing units discharged water into the open, which was flowing from the vicinity to the river in Ambaulim.
Quepem Congress MLA Alton D’Costa, who was also present at the site, asked officials to take action against these units, as they were affecting water bodies in his constituency too.
Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao said that the BJP government is turning a blind eye to the issue, despite it being raised in the assembly session.
“If the government fails to shut down polluting fish meal units discharging untreated water into water bodies, then people will agitate. The government will be responsible if they take the law into their own hands,” Alemao warned.
He said that these units are defying mandatory norms; however, IDC field officers, health officials, and other top officials are not acting.
“These units have no Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP). Thus, water bodies are polluted. Shut these plants if they don’t adhere to norms. Why is the government protecting polluted industries? Are they getting any kickbacks?” Alemao questioned.
He said that the government has even failed to monitor the air quality index of the industrial estate. “It is shocking to see contaminated water flowing everywhere here. The Pollution Control Board is not taking any action. All departments have failed to check the illegal practices here and handle hazardous waste,” he said, questioning why people should suffer because of their lethargy.
“If the government fails to act swiftly, then thousands of people will hit the road and protest against the pollution practices by these units,” he warned.
