PANAJI
In a sudden move, the State administration cracked down on at least five shops dealing with food in and around the Taleigao market and sealed them on grounds that they caused pollution, including having no provision for waste and sewage management.
The action was carried out with police protection by the Tiswadi Mamlatdar’s office, ostensibly on instructions from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
The shops sealed included chicken and mutton shops located in the market and also the nearby Kolwalkar Plazza.
The entire operation including the sealing of the shops was carried out in the late evening hours of Tuesday and was supervised by Tiswadi Mamlatdar Kaushik Dessai.
Sources in the Mamlatdar office said, the GSPCB had issued the order in August under section 33(A), read with sections 25 and 26 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 31A, read with Section 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
The talathi of Taleigao and some officials of the GSPCB were also part of the operation and present during the sealing, an official from the Mamlatdar’s office said.
‘Christalina’ chicken and mutton shop and ‘Goan’ chicken and food stuff shop both operated by Majid Bepari were among the shops sealed.
Two other shops sealed -- Al Heena Chicken and mutton shop and Al Shabab and Al Heena Kauser -- were both operated by Ayaj Bepari.
The official said notices had been issued with respect to the action as no precautions were taken against discharge of sewage and waste causing pollution in the area.
Operators of some of these shops are expected to appeal against the action before the GSPCB.
