Goa, June 16 -- Agricultural communities in Agassaim are facing a new environmental crisis as toxic waste has been flowing into paddy fields and streams since May 23, following heavy rainfall.

The contamination has affected the wards of Moita, Padribhat, and Malwara, turning fields and water bodies black and raising fears about crop safety.

Health department officials and GSPCB representatives have collected samples for analysis, with locals demanding swift identification of the pollution source and nature. The affected area is particularly significant as Agassaim practices organic farming and its local brinjal variety has received Geographic Indication (GI) tag recognition.

Former sarpanch Xavier Gracias emphasised the urgency of inve...