MARGAO
Days after the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) had ordered the immediate closure of the scrapyard operating on the banks of River Sal, the activity has been shut down by the operator.
The GSPCB had issued directions under Section 31(A) read with Section 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, to Ms Nikhil Traders to close/ suspend the operations of the unit until further orders.
In fact, GSPCB Member Secretary Dr Shamila Monteiro had warned that failure to comply with the notice will compel the Board to initiate stringent legal action against the operator under the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 without any further notice.
During the inspection carried out by the GSPCB official, it was observed that the operator was carrying out activity of collection of cardboard, paper, pet bottles from commercial establishments and door-to-door collection.
The report had pointed out that two bailing machines having capacity of 800kg and 1200kg were installed inside the unit, baling both pet bottles and cardboards, further observing that the unit has constructed a toilet with septic tank/ soak pit very close to River Sal and bathroom water was disposed of into the river by pipe. Unit is fenced with temporary tin sheets.
“Solid waste and ceramic waste disposal into the River Sal was found behind the toilet facility unit of M/s Nikhil Traders. The unit of Nikhil Traders is approx. 3m away from River Sal. The unit is permanent concrete structure in which bailing machines are installed and was packed with cardboard,” the report stated, while adding that the operator had failed to obtain the valid consent of the Board to operate the unit under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, thereby amounting to a gross violation of the said Act.
