The Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Friday warned that people of Cuncolim will take law into their hands if the BJP government fails to take stern action against polluting fish meal and processing units.
Cuncolim villagers on Friday rushed to the site after the fish meal and processing units had discharged water in 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 it was affecting water bodies from his constituency too.
Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao said that the BJP government is turning Nelson’s Eye over the issue, despite it being raised in the assembly session.
“If government fails to shut down polluting fish meal units, discharging untreated water into water bodies, then people will agitate. Government will be responsible if they take law into their 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 Kick-backs?,” 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 for their lethargy.
“If government fails to act swiftly, then thousands of people will hit the road and protest against the pollution practices by these units,” he warned.