Daijiworld Media Network- Margao

Margao, Sep 10: In a strong message against polluting industries, the Cuncolim Municipal Council (CMC) on Tuesday unanimously rejected an application by Goan Marine Impex Pvt Ltd seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to set up a fish meal plant outside the Cuncolim Industrial Estate.

At a special meeting chaired by Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas, councillors cutting across party lines — both Congress-backed and BJP-backed — joined hands to oppose the proposal. The Council further passed a resolution urging the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to shut down the existing fish meal plant and other polluting units already functioning at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate.

The discussion saw sharp exchanges between Councillor Udesh Desai and former Chairperson Laxman Naik. Desai questioned the delay in placing the proposal before the Council despite the file being received on July 23. The CMC engineer clarified that the delay was due to pending documents and issues regarding road access shown through municipal land. The file also lacked a conversion sanad, he added.

Finally, all 14 councillors rejected the NOC application in one voice, reflecting a united stand against pollution in the region.

Speaking to the media, Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas said Cuncolim has been bearing the brunt of pollution from the IDC for too long. “The Council has decided to stand with the people. We will not allow any further polluting units in Cuncolim. The GSPCB must take immediate action,” he asserted, while thanking Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao for extending support to the Council’s decision.

Former Chairperson Laxman Naik, representing the ward adjoining the Cuncolim IDC, remarked that the pollution issue has persisted for decades due to lack of political will and bureaucratic indifference. He welcomed the proactive stance of MLA Yuri Alemao in backing Cuncolim residents against industrial pollution.