‘Unsafe’ transport of toxic waste from Cuncolim estate irks Curchorem locals

Margao: The removal of hazardous waste from the Cuncolim industrial estate, which began on May 2, has hit a roadblock as residents of Curchorem have begun stopping trucks transporting waste through populated areas of the town. The reasons cited were overloading, absence of required permits, and risk of spillage. Locals have warned of launching an agitation, if the reckless transportation is not immediately reined in.

The waste in question was zinc extract process residue that was discarded by Sunrise Zinc Ltd, after it ceased operations in 2007 following a HC order. Since then, the residue has been lying at the Cuncolim industrial estate for nearly two decades, causing contamination of wells and widespread health problems among residents. The Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) began its phased removal operation on May 2, with the material to be transported to the facility at Pissurlem for processing and disposal.

However, the manner of transportation has drawn sharp criticism from Curchorem locals. Activist Dattaraj Raut Dessai said the trucks were found to be operating without valid permits from the authorities concerned. “They were overloaded, and there were chances of spillage of the waste onto the roads,” he said.

Raut Dessai pointed out that the guidelines for transportation of hazardous waste require such material to be transported in sealed bags, loaded into airtight compactors — not open box-type trucks. “During the rains, runoff from waste spilled on the roads will flow into fields and water bodies, contaminating them and posing a serious risk to the lives of residents,” he warned.

He called on the GWMC and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to step in immediately and halt the improper transportation. “If such reckless transportation continues, we will have no option but to launch an agitation,” Raut Dessai said.

The GWMC’s operation, costing Rs 13 crore involves clearing over more than 50,000 metric tonnes of legacy waste.
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