Diana Fernandes
Margao: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) is taking steps to address long-standing air quality concerns at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate by installing a real-time ambient air quality monitoring system.
This initiative aims to provide continuous, up-to-date data on air pollution in the area, which has been a source of worry for local residents for several years.
A GSPCB official explained, “Currently, there is a manual system that collects data two to three times a week. The new system will provide real-time, continuous air quality readings. Similar systems are already in place in places like Vasco and Amona.”
The Cuncolim Industrial Association (CIA) said it is working on solutions to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants from factories. However, this may take two to three years to implement.
One of the main contributors to air pollution at the estate is the steel industry, which is known for releasing dust and smoke into the atmosphere.
Abhay Keni, CIA president, emphasised on the improvements made over the past decade.
“There has been significant progress over the last ten years, and we are committed to achieving zero pollution within the next two years. We understand the concerns of the local residents and are dedicated to finding a solution,” Keni said.
The industrial association is exploring methods to mitigate pollution, such as enhancing the scrubbing systems to capture smoke and prevent dust particles from escaping chimneys.
Keni cited a specific example involving an induction furnace, which presents challenges during the material melting process. When the material is introduced into the furnace, the top of the chimney turns sideways, releasing some smoke and dust into the air. While 80 per cent of the emissions are captured, the remaining 20 per cent escapes.
To address this issue, the association is working on redesigning the system so that the chimney top lifts vertically instead of turning.
“If successful, this change could increase the captured smoke from 80 to 95 per cent. We are currently studying the feasibility of this modification, which may take two to three years to implement,” Keni explained.
This will require specially designed equipment and collaboration with industrial units to test the new systems.
The association chief also noted that a significant number of industrial units have already made improvements in air filtration. “Around 60 to 65 per cent of industrial units are now filtering their emissions, while 30 per cent may still release unfiltered gases. In 2008, about 90 per cent of emissions were unfiltered. There has been considerable improvement since then,” he added.