Margao: Anger in Cuncolim over a proposed fish meal plant is snowballing into a people’s movement, with residents vowing to intensify protests until the govt revokes its decision to permit another pollution-causing unit in the town.Social activist and Cuncolim resident Dr Jorson Fernandes has filed complaints with the Cuncolim Municipal Council, the town and country planning (TCP) department, and the Sociedade Agricola dos Gauncares de Cuncolim e Veroda, Alemao, alleging fraud and illegality in the project’s clearances.“People will not allow a new fish meal plant in Cuncolim. The opposition will build into a people’s movement,” Fernandes told TOI.The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) granted consent to establish and operate for the unit. Fernandes criticised the Board, claiming the approval was given without a site inspection.He alleged 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. Secondly, it’s a landlocked area. How can you give permission to a landlocked area?” he asked.Fernandes drew a distinction between regulatory bodies. “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,” he said.In his complaint, he alleged that an unauthorised 12m-wide road was built 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, and rejection of the construction licence application.Last week, residents marched to the office of Opposition leader Yuri Alemao, who issued a 10-day ultimatum to the govt to cancel the GSPCB’s consent, warning of agitation if ignored.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.
