Arvalem water to be tested following reports of chemical release by industries

KERI: The

Arvalem

waterfalls, known for its cascading beauty during the monsoon, has been affected due to polluted water released by

chemical industries

.


Speaker of the legislative assembly and Sakhali MLA Pramod Sawant on Sunday visited the site of the waterfalls along with officials of Goa state pollution control board.

Speaking to the media, Sawant said, “Samples of polluted water accumulated near the falls have been collected by GSPCB officials. It is learnt that the water has been polluted by untreated water released by chemical industries at Pissurlem industrial estate. This polluted water will have an adverse effect on fishes and cattle.”

Speaking to TOI, Manohar Parab from Pissurlem said, “Since more than a decade, I have been affected due to untreated water released by chemical industries in our vicinity in Pissurlem. I have lodged numerous complaints with all the authorities concerned, however, no action has been initiated. My well has been contaminated, and the plantation has also been badly affected,”

Recently, Pissurlem locals had brought to the notice of reporters the death of fishes near the waterfalls. When Parab complained about the

water pollution

, GSPCB officials had visited Pissurlem industrial estate and collected water samples.

The Kudne river originates in Bhuipal and flows through

Honda

to Harvalem. In Honda, a stream flowing from Pissurlem industrial estate mingles with the river water, and then tumbles down from the rocky area to form the Arvalem waterfalls.