Cuncolim Residents Intensify Protests Against Proposed Fish Meal Plant
Anger in Cuncolim over a proposed fish meal plant is snowballing into a full-fledged people's movement, with residents vowing to escalate protests until the government revokes its decision to permit another pollution-causing unit in the town. The growing opposition highlights deep-seated concerns about environmental degradation and public health risks.
Activist Files Complaints Alleging Fraud and Illegality
Social activist and Cuncolim resident Dr. Jorson Fernandes has taken legal action by filing complaints with multiple authorities. He has submitted grievances to the Cuncolim Municipal Council, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department, and the Sociedade Agricola dos Gauncares de Cuncolim e Veroda, Alemao. In these complaints, Fernandes alleges fraud and illegality in the project's clearances, asserting that the process was flawed from the start.
"People will not allow a new fish meal plant in Cuncolim. The opposition will build into a people's movement," Fernandes told TOI, emphasizing the community's resolve. He criticized the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for granting consent to establish and operate the unit, claiming the approval was given without a proper site inspection, which he argues violates regulatory protocols.
Environmental and Health Concerns Raised
Fernandes pointed out serious environmental hazards, noting that hazardous waste is lying adjacent to the proposed site. "There is a pile of hazardous waste there, and immediately on its southern side is the proposed site. Lead, zinc, arsenic, cobalt, and cadmium from the waste will flow through storm water drains and pollute groundwater," he explained. He further questioned the feasibility of the location, asking, "Secondly, it's a landlocked area. How can you give permission to a landlocked area?"
He drew a clear distinction between regulatory bodies, stating, "Unlike the TCP department, the Industrial Promotion Board, and the Industrial Development Corporation, which focus on livelihoods, the GSPCB's mandate is to protect lives." This underscores his belief that the GSPCB has failed in its duty to safeguard public health.
Allegations of Unauthorized Infrastructure
In his complaint, Fernandes alleged that an unauthorized 12-meter-wide road was constructed through agricultural and low-lying land to provide access to the landlocked plot proposed for the fish meal and fish oil factory. He has demanded:
- Demolition of the road under Section 184 of the Municipalities Act.
- Revocation of TCP technical clearance.
- Rejection of the construction licence application.
Community Mobilization and Political Pressure
Last week, residents marched to the office of Opposition leader Yuri Alemao, who issued a 10-day ultimatum to the government to cancel the GSPCB's consent. Alemao warned of intensified agitation if the demand is ignored, adding political weight to the grassroots movement.
Residents also questioned the Board's decision to clear another fish meal unit when pollution from existing units remains unchecked. "Around 80% of the units are causing pollution. Fields are destroyed, wells are contaminated. The GSPCB has failed in its duty," said resident Aviraj Dessai, highlighting ongoing environmental damage that has eroded trust in regulatory authorities.
The situation in Cuncolim reflects a broader struggle between industrial development and environmental preservation, with the community standing firm against what they see as a threat to their health and livelihoods. As protests intensify, all eyes are on the government's response to this escalating people's movement.
