PANAJI
The space constraints and procedural challenges to acquire plots have caused a major roadblock to the State government’s ambitious plan to relocate the scrapyards, spread haphazardly across the State, in the industrial estates. The government, through Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC), is now in the final stage of drafting a policy in an effort to relocate these scrapyards.
The GWMC, which has already prepared a draft document of the policy, is currently holding consultations with the Industries department and Goa Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) before finalizing the policy.
“It is not an easy task. We agree there is a little delay in finalizing the policy, but we have to make sure that detailed consultation with all stakeholders takes place. Industries department and IDC are two crucial stakeholders,” GWMC managing director Levinson Martins told The Goan.
During the last monsoon session, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promised to draft a policy for scrap yards within three months while conceding illegal operations have persisted for two decades. He also committed to prioritizing the removal of scrap yards from residential areas.
Sources said that the policy will address the issues related to legal and illegal scrapyards, as well as their registration process. It will also speak about demarcating designated areas for their relocation along with safety measures.
GSPCB Chairman Mahesh Patil told media persons that there are a lot of challenges as far as relocating the scrapyards to industrial estates is concerned. He said that there is limited space and also procedural issues; the scrapyard dealers are unable to purchase plots in the industrial areas.
In 2010, the State government had introduced a scheme ‘The Goa Waste (Scrap) Recycling Units Scheme’ in 2010, aiming at identifying and allocating land for recyclable waste units and demarcating trade zones in two years. However, the same failed to kick off.
Subsequently, in February 2019, GWMC was appointed as the nodal agency for the relocation of scrapyards. As per record, there are close to 300 scrap yards spread across North and South Goa.
The pollution control board has already prepared draft guidelines for scrap collectors. According to the guidelines, those collecting waste from panchayat areas will have to pay an annual fee of Rs 10,000. In the case of industries, the annual fee is Rs 25,000.
The guidelines also speak about compliances as per the rules of various departments.
