Toxic waste runoff triggered by pre-monsoon rain in Goa’s Agasaim region has contaminated streams and ponds, killing fish and endangering local livelihoods. While samples were collected by authorities, fish mortality wasn’t formally assessed. Affected areas include Mercurim and Padribhat, where residents reported a foul stench, dead aquatic life, and fears of long-term ecological damage flowing into the Zuari River.
Heavy rain on May 23 triggered the release of hazardous waste from dumps near Pilar, contaminating nearby water bodies in Agasaim. Residents reported a floating oil-like film and widespread fish deaths in a large pond in Mercurim. Fish species like chonak, tamxe, and kallundram were among the casualties. Crabs and snails also perished, raising alarm over ecological imbalance and toxic residue in surrounding waters.
The polluted streams in Padribhat and Mercurim drain into the Zuari River, sparking fears of a broader ecological crisis. Locals observed still, lifeless waters near the Mercurim pond, located barely a kilometre from the river. Fishermen warn that lingering toxins may continue to harm aquatic life. The runoff’s tidal reach could extend contamination, threatening marine biodiversity in one of Goa’s key estuarine ecosystems.
Although the Goa State Pollution Control Board and health department collected water samples following the incident, villagers say the issue of fish mortality was overlooked. The silence from authorities on aquatic loss has added to community frustration. Former sarpanch James Afonso and others are calling for accountability, demanding that the environmental impact be fully assessed and corrective measures swiftly implemented.
Local livelihoods have suffered significantly. Polluted fields have disrupted farming, while fishing activities remain suspended due to ongoing contamination. AAP activist Ramrao Wagh has filed an FIR with Agasaim police, urging action against those responsible. Residents report health issues, including respiratory discomfort, from the stench. The episode highlights persistent gaps in waste management enforcement in Goa’s vulnerable coastal and agrarian zones.
The toxic waste spill in Agasaim is not just a local pollution issue—it’s a growing environmental emergency. Without swift remediation and a full assessment of fish mortality, the impact could extend downstream into the Zuari and beyond. For Goa’s fragile marine and farming economy, urgent inter-agency coordination and stricter enforcement are needed to safeguard ecosystems, public health, and the livelihoods tied to clean water.
