Panaji, 2 September 2026: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao launched a sharp attack on the Goa government in the Assembly over pollution concerns in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate, demanding immediate closure of M/s Sunrise Electromelt/Orange Fox and warning the government against granting approval to any new fish meal plant in the area. He also joined other Opposition MLAs in raising serious concerns over the Mhadei river issue.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Alemao alleged that M/s Sunrise Electromelt/Orange Fox was causing severe air pollution in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate and claimed that the unit was operating a second furnace without the required consent.

He further alleged that the Air Pollution Control Device was not functioning properly, yet the authorities had failed to take effective action against the company.

“The government cannot remain a silent spectator when industries are operating in violation of pollution-control norms and affecting the health of people. All licences and permissions of the unit should be cancelled and its operations stopped immediately,” Alemao demanded.

‘Existing fish meal plants already polluting Cuncolim’

Alemao also raised the controversial issue of fish meal plants in Cuncolim, alleging that existing units were functioning without adequate Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), resulting in pollution, health hazards and contamination of surrounding water bodies.

He further alleged that officials of the Cuncolim Municipal Council, including the Chief Officer, Administrator and Junior Engineer, were being pressured to grant approval to M/s Goan Marine Impex Pvt. Ltd. for setting up a fish meal production plant at Survey Nos. 339/0 (part) and 340/1 (part) in Cuncolim village, Salcete.

The proposed project, according to Alemao, covers an area of around 19,000 square metres.

Warning the government against pushing through the proposal, Alemao said that granting approval to another fish meal plant in the already pollution-affected industrial belt would provoke strong public opposition.

“People of Cuncolim have suffered enough due to pollution. Any attempt to impose another polluting unit on them will invite public wrath,” he warned.

Opposition puts Mhadei back in focus

Meanwhile, Alemao along with other Opposition MLAs raised the Mhadei river dispute during Calling Attention, expressing concern over continuing developments that could affect the river’s flow and ecology.

The Opposition demanded that the government take decisive steps to safeguard Goa’s interests and ensure protection of the Mhadei river basin.

The MLAs stressed that Mhadei is not merely a political issue but a matter concerning Goa’s drinking water security, environment and ecological future, and urged the government to act firmly instead of limiting itself to assurances.

With pollution in Cuncolim and the Mhadei dispute once again dominating proceedings, Alemao accused the government of failing to act despite repeated warnings on issues directly affecting public health and Goa’s natural resources.