Margao: The Directorate of Health Services has directed Primary Health Centre at Balli to take action in concerns raised by Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao in regards to the people facing respiratory and other health issues in the vicinity of Cuncolim Industrial Estate due to pollution.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao had recently written to the Minister for Health Vishwajit Rane and had sought his intervention into the matter, wherein the public are facing health issues.
In his letter, Alemao had said “ I would like to draw your attention to health issues faced by People of Cuncolim staying in the vicinity of Industrial Estate due to pollution emanating from steel and fish meal industries. Along with hazardous waste dumped here, the escalating levels of water and air pollution, particularly due to the fish processing units, Steel manufacturing units, demand immediate and thorough investigation as people are facing health issues,”
He had said that in absence of Effluent Treatment Plant, Fish processing units have been discharging untreated water into local water bodies, resulting in severe contamination.
“Groundwater assessments reveal disturbingly high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), alongside elevated nutrient concentrations such as nitrates and phosphorus. The situation is exacerbated by eutrophication, contributing to the degradation of water quality. As a result, local water bodies are transformed into hazardous environments unsuitable for consumption by both humans and livestock,” letter further stated.
“The degradation of water and air quality in Cuncolim is closely linked to the alarming rise in health issues among local residents, primarily respiratory ailments and gastrointestinal disorders due to unsafe drinking water. These conditions jeopardize the well-being of the community, emphasizing the urgent need for a coordinated response to safeguard public health,” it further said.
Taking the cognisance of concerns raised by Yuri Alemao, the Health Department has directed Primary Health Centre at Balli to take appropriate action as per the provision of the Goa Public Health Act 1985.
