PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has held that an eatery in Margao is violating the human rights of a senior citizen and his family by exposing their flat above it to cooking fumes, smoke and high noise levels.
In its inquiry report on Wednesday, the Commission recommended that Café 108 shift its outlet so that cooking fumes and smoke flow in the opposite direction, towards an open space above the building’s entry passage, within 30 days. The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has been urged to ensure compliance.
It further noted that the complainant and his wife are senior citizens and require peace and quiet while occupying their first-floor flat, located directly above the restaurant.
Rajiv Naik Dalal had alleged non-compliance with recommendations made in an earlier GHRC inquiry concerning the restaurant and sought immediate relief.
During a site inspection on August 28, the Chairperson, along with both Members of the Commission, inspected the restaurant, the service duct and the complainant’s flat. Three GSPCB engineers, the complainant and a partner of Café 108 were present.
The Commission observed that the exhaust duct had been installed in the enclosed space between the building walls. It also noted that the pitch of the sound was quite high in the kitchen, toilets and bedrooms, although it was claimed to be within permissible limits for commercial use.
