An official of the Goa State Pollution Control Board has reportedly told the consumer panel that the market is operating without GSPCB’s consent to operate.
The revelations came to light during an inspection conducted by the Consumer Conciliation panel under the Department of Civil Supplies following a complaint filed by city-based consumer activist Carlos Gracias. The complaint highlighted several issues affecting consumers visiting the market, including poor hygiene and sanitation, inadequate maintenance of facilities, and the non-functioning lift in the adjoining building.
During the inspection, Margao Urban Health Officer Dr Baptista informed the panel that the SGPDA had never obtained a Health NOC from the Urban Health Centre, a mandatory prerequisite before the owner of any commercial establishment applies to the local civic authority for permission to conduct trade and business activities.
Officials from the GSPCB also informed the panel that the SGPDA is yet to secure the required Consent to Operate for the market complex.
According to officials, the process to obtain the consent was initiated only around one-and-a-half year ago after issues related to sewage disposal from the market came under the scrutiny of the High Court.
Consumer Conciliation panel member Roland Martins said the committee has taken note of the statements made by officials of both the GSPCB and the Urban Health Centre and that the findings would form part of the inspection report.
“The Conciliation Panel had conducted several hearings on the issues concerning the PDA market under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act. Today’s inspection was undertaken to assess the ground reality and verify the complaints raised by consumers and vendors,” Martins told the media after the visit.
He clarified that the panel’s mandate was primarily to examine deficiencies in services affecting consumers, particularly those relating to sanitation, hygiene, waste management, infrastructure, and lift facilities within the market complex. “A detailed report will be submitted before the Consumer Conciliation Panel at the next hearing scheduled for the first Thursday of July. The report will document the existing conditions on the ground and include recommendations aimed at improving the overall functioning of the market,” Martins said.
Responding to questions from the media, Martins said the findings would be forwarded to the South Goa District Collector, who also serves as Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Council. Copies of the report would additionally be sent to the Central Consumer Protection authorities for necessary action.
He further pointed out that the conciliation process is being undertaken under the Consumer Protection Act with the objective of securing remedial measures before the matter proceeds to the Consumer Courts for adjudication.
