VASCO
The Goa United Workmen Union (GUWU) has demanded that the newly inaugurated Material Recovery Facility (MRF) by Sancoale Panchayat at Zuarinagar be shifted to an alternate location away from human habitat.
Alleging that the MRF has no valid approval from authorities, the GUWU has asked the State government to intervene and act in the matter.
Speaking to reporters, GUWU President Olencio Simoes hit out at the Sancoale panchayat and Directorate of Panchayats for turning a blind eye to the construction of the MRF at Zuarinagar.
"It is shocking that the MRF is in private property and as per a circular by the vigilance department, proper guidelines and procedures have to be executed for public works in private properties.”
“The private landowner has neither executed a deed of gift in favour of government or to the Sancoale panchayat, nor does the MRF construction have a construction license from the panchayat, Mormugao Planning & Development Authority or The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB),” said Simoes.
He alleged that the MRF has no NOC’s from central agencies like the Ministry of Roads, Transport and National Highways and Airports Authority of India (AAI) as these projects could pose danger to the civil and the naval airport since it falls along the runway of the airport.
“We demand that the panchayat and other authorities concerned to take necessary action and to immediately shift the MRF site to any other alternative location which is away from human habitat," said Simoes.
Nilesh Vasant Naik of Upasnagar said the project has been set up within 25 metres of a thickly populated residential area in Zuarinagar.
"The area has over 6,000 people in close vicinity and the garbage site will have irreversible damage to the air, groundwater and health of the Zuarinagar residents and could also lead to adverse health effects”.
