MAPUSA
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has issued a directive to an open-air venue, Ms River Bank at Tarchi Bhatt, Siolim, ordering a halt to its operations.
The venue was found to be operating without the mandatory consent under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
The action follows an inspection carried out by the GSPCB in August 2024, in response to a complaint filed by local resident Atmaram Gadekar.
The inspection report confirmed that while the venue had complied with certain directions, it had failed to secure the formal approval required for its operations.
This lapse is a violation of air pollution regulations.
According to the GSPCB, the venue had submitted an application for the consent to operate approval, but it was kept pending for non-submission of GCZMA approval.
The consent had not yet been granted at the time of inspection, prompting the regulatory body to take immediate action.
The GSPCB inspection also shed light on the outlet’s waste disposal methods.
It was revealed that the venue had been managing its waste adequately and sourcing its water supply from the Public Works Department (PWD).
Additionally, wastewater generated by the venue was discharged into a septic tank of adequate capacity.
In its official statement, the GSPCB stressed that the outlet cannot resume operations until it obtains the required approvals under the Air Act.
“The establishment is directed to close/suspend the operation of the unit until further orders,” the Board’s order stated.
Earlier, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Bardez had issued a directive to the secretary of the Siolim-Marna panchayat to take action on a complaint against the open-air venue in Siolim.
The Deputy Collector had also written to the panchayat secretary and the sarpanch two months ago, urging them to take necessary action against the venue.
However, these appeals went unheeded.
