-- Samir Umarye BICHOLIM, JULY 28 Residents of Katarwada, Bicholim Industrial Estate and surrounding areas have demanded enquiry in the pollution caused in the area by a chemical factory. The residents have once again complained of pollution caused by a chemical factory in the area, as earlier, wells were polluted, but in the recent case reported in the area, a cow was seriously burnt due to chemical contact. Speaking to Herald, Aashish Govekar claimed that the chemical factory is in operation without following any environmental rules. “Since last one decade, there has been pollution in the area and our wells have been already polluted due to the chemical mixture and now it is slowly spreading to other areas,” informed Govekar. It may be recalled that in 2001, about 10 wells in the area started giving white water with some foul smell and it was proved that the cause was a chemical factory in the area. Political leaders and government officials, including the then deputy collector, had inspected the site and had assured that the hazardous industry would be stopped, but in vain. “If we voice against the factory, then police and council threatens us. We demand that the government should initiate action against this factory, which is causing pollution,” claimed a resident. When this scribe visited the site, it was noticed that the grass, which is used as a grazing ground by some cows in the area, was burnt because of chemicals. “A cow belonging to Suresh Goverkar, who usually sits in the same field, suffered severe burns due to the chemical reaction. The pollution is of serious nature and the government should look into the matter,” said a local. When contacted, Govekar said some of his cows have got some burns due to chemical reaction and the area is swollen. “It happened last week and we have now treated them. The doctor gave us some medicine and now it is improving,” said Govekar. “It happened after one of the tanks from the chemical factory busted and all the chemical flowed in the area behind the factory,” he added. “Some years ago, about 14 of my cows died, but nothing happened. The officials came and inspected, even the company denied of any such spillage and I had to suffer the loss,” said Govekar. Govekar, who was earlier rewarded for highest dairy farming in the city, told Herald that there was no compensation up from the government even when some newspapers had highlighted the issue. “I am yet to inform the BMC chairman about the matter, but I have communicated about the incident to Councilor Ajit Birje. The government on one side tells everyone to go in for dairy farming and if someone is really into it, they hardly bother to listen to him,” he said.
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