Environmental concerns have resurfaced in Cuncolim after a hazardous waste dump at the former Sunrise site was allegedly left exposed following the suspension of its removal work for the monsoon.

The long-pending removal of the hazardous waste, which began at the end of April under a government-approved project valued at ₹13 crore, has been put on hold due to the onset of the rainy season. The site had remained untouched for nearly 18 years before the clean-up operation commenced.

Social worker Aviraj Desai has alleged that the contractor failed to take adequate precautionary measures before suspending the work. According to him, the protective tarpaulin placed over the hazardous waste was washed away during heavy rainfall, leaving the toxic material exposed for nearly two weeks.

Residents fear that continuous rain may have allowed contaminants to seep into nearby water bodies and the surrounding environment, posing a potential risk to public health and local ecosystems.

Locals have urged the concerned authorities and the contractor to immediately secure the site with appropriate protective measures and ensure that the hazardous waste remains safely contained until the removal work resumes after the monsoon.