Margao: The discovery of a large number of dead fish floating in a water body at Karmaliwada in Cacora on Thursday sparked concern among residents, who blamed alleged pollution from a nearby drain connected to the municipal solid waste management facility.
Allegations of Contamination
Locals alleged that contaminated water flowing through the nallah near the waste management plant had entered the water body, leading to the fish kill and affecting nearby water sources.
Heated Exchange at the Scene
The incident triggered a heated exchange between former Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) councillor Pushkal Sawant and representatives of the company operating the waste management facility. Sawant accused the plant authorities of allowing dirty and unhygienic water to be discharged into the drain and demanded immediate measures to halt the flow and prevent further environmental damage.
Recurring Issue
Residents claimed that similar incidents had occurred in the past, but no action was taken by the authorities. Demanding an inquiry into the fish kill, locals urged the government and pollution control authorities to take immediate steps to stop the alleged contamination. They warned of protests if corrective measures are not initiated.
Controversy Surrounding the Waste Facility
The Cacora waste management facility has been a subject of controversy since it began receiving garbage from several parts of South Goa, including Margao. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns, saying the plant was originally meant to handle waste generated only in Sanguem, Quepem and Dharbandora talukas.
