Canacona: As the monsoon season approaches, residents of Shristhal and surrounding areas have expressed growing concerns that the large quantity of molasses effluent remaining at the Shristhal Industrial Estate could overflow into nearby water bodies, leading to severe environmental contamination.
Background of the Issue
Earlier, officials had assured residents that the molasses effluent stored in a damaged tank would be completely removed before the structure was dismantled. This was intended to prevent any potential threat to the environment. However, on Saturday, it was observed that only half of the damaged tank had been dismantled. While a substantial quantity of the effluent has been transferred to nearby pits dug within the industrial estate, large amounts still remain stored in the partially dismantled tank.
Current Safety Measures
The molasses effluent stored in ground tanks, pits, and the partially dismantled tank has been covered with tarpaulin sheets. Additionally, the ground tanks and pits have been secured with barbed-wire fencing, and a signboard has been installed by the deputy collector of Canacona. Despite these measures, residents and activists fear that heavy rainfall during the monsoon could cause the effluent to overflow and seep into nearby water bodies, resulting in large-scale ecological damage. They warn that any overflow would contaminate water bodies and agricultural fields, creating serious environmental hazards.
Residents' Demands
Pawan Tubki, a local resident, stated, “The then Canacona deputy collector had assured that the entire stock of molasses effluent would be shifted from the damaged tank, which was to be dismantled simultaneously. However, this has not been done, and the molasses effluent stored in ground-dug tanks and pits has raised serious concerns. Residents demand immediate action from the authorities concerned to avoid an environmental disaster.”
The partially dismantled molasses effluent tank at Shristhal Industrial Estate remains a focal point of worry as the monsoon draws near. Local activists continue to call for urgent measures to prevent any potential disaster.
