Fishermen and residents of Velsao have expressed fear over an unusual fish mortality along the Pale-Velsao sea shore. The fishermen have pointed fingers at M/s. Paradeep Phosphates Ltd and accused them of discharging untreated industrial effluent into the Sea. They claim that alleged pollution, is the root cause behind the widespread fish mortality. The community solely reliant on this business have request GSPCB to intervene and take stringent action against the violators.
Over the past two days, reports have surfaced of a significant number of fish dying off in the bay, as well as within the brackish water rivulet known as Poiem at Dando, Velsao.
The local fishing community, deeply reliant on these waters for their livelihoods, has pointed fingers at M/s. Paradeep Phosphates Ltd. (formerly M/s. Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd.), accusing them of discharging untreated industrial effluent into the Arabian Sea. This alleged pollution, they claim, is the root cause behind the widespread fish mortality.
The impact of this ecological disaster extends beyond just economic loss. Fresh fish, a local delicacy and a vital source of sustenance, is now in short supply, affecting not only the livelihoods of the fishing community but also the broader village population, particularly those from the OBC & ST communities.
Community elders have lamented that such environmental transgressions have become all too common in recent years. Organizations like Goenche Ramponkarancho Ekvott and Goencho Ekvott, along with allied groups, are now calling for urgent action from the authorities.
They demand that the Goa State Pollution Control Board swiftly intervenes by visiting the affected areas, conducting thorough water and fish sample collections, and making their findings public. Additionally, they urge the board to enforce stringent measures on the alleged violator to prevent further contamination of the Arabian Sea’s waters. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of ensuring that such violations are not repeated, highlighting the broader interests of the environment and the community at large.