India, Feb. 12 -- Panic and concern gripped Shristhal on Wednesday after waste molasses from a tank being dismantled at the Shristhal Industrial Estate allegedly flowed into the Khalwadem rivulet, raising fears of environmental contamination.

Residents of the area confronted officials from Canacona municipality and local police, accusing them of negligence and failure to take timely preventive measures despite being aware of the potential risks involved in dismantling the tank.

According to locals, no adequate arrangements were made to safely contain or dispose of the waste molasses, resulting in the spillage entering the natural water body. They expressed worry over possible damage to aquatic life, contamination of water sources, and l...