Canacona Farmers Grapple with Persistent Industrial Pollution Crisis
Farmers in the Shrishthal area of Canacona are raising serious alarms over the continuous discharge of molasses effluent into the Khalwadem rivulet. This environmental hazard originates from a damaged tank within the Shrishthal industrial estate, and despite numerous formal complaints, the issue remains unresolved, threatening local agriculture and water sources.
Contamination Spreads to Irrigation and Drinking Water
The pollution has not only contaminated the Khalwadem rivulet but has also seeped into nearby wells, compromising both irrigation and potential drinking water supplies. Locals have reported suspicions of a fresh sludge release occurring as recently as Tuesday night, exacerbating the already critical situation.
Farmer Amar Naik Gaonkar expressed deep concern, stating, "Both of our primary sources for irrigation have now been polluted, putting our livelihoods at immediate risk." This sentiment is echoed across the farming community, which relies heavily on these water bodies for crop cultivation.
Authoritative Inaction and Delayed Responses
According to farmer Ramdas Bhagat, the Goa Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has indeed intervened by instructing the responsible company to halt the pollution and remove the faulty tank. These directives came following persistent complaints from the affected farmers. However, Bhagat noted that the company's response has been sluggish and inadequate.
"The company failed to act promptly and only began the necessary work at a frustratingly slow pace," Bhagat emphasized. This delay has allowed the contamination to persist, worsening the environmental impact.
Community and Administrative Efforts
In addition to individual farmer complaints, the local panchayat and the Shrishtal biodiversity committee have formally appealed to the deputy collector, urging the immediate removal of the damaged tank. Their collective efforts highlight the community's organized push for accountability and swift action.
The remediation work faced an unexpected setback when a bull fell into the effluent on Tuesday. Fire services were required to rescue the animal, causing further delays in addressing the pollution source. This incident underscores the immediate dangers posed by the uncontrolled discharge.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Concerns
The ongoing pollution crisis in Shrishthal raises significant questions about industrial compliance and regulatory enforcement in Goa. Farmers continue to monitor the situation closely, fearing long-term damage to their land and water resources. The community awaits concrete steps from both the company and authorities to fully resolve this pressing environmental and agricultural threat.
