OLD GOA
Residents from Merces have petitioned North Goa Collector Dr Sneha Gitte to take action against the illegal scrapyard operating in the residential area of Bamon Bhatt and have it demolished. A memorandum to this effect was submitted to the Collector by a delegation of locals on Tuesday.
The locals have also demanded that a probe be initiated into the origin of the three gas cylinders stored at the scrapyard, one of which leaked, resulting in the hospitalisation of over 23 residents and the suffocation of many others.
Later, speaking to reporters, Tanoj Adwalpalkar informed them that although the incident was serious, no concrete action had been forthcoming from the authorities concerned.
“We petitioned the Old Goa police, the Goa State Pollution Control Board, and the Fire Brigade, but no concrete action has been taken against the scrapyard,” Adwalpalkar said. “So, today we have approached the North Goa Collector and urged her to initiate a probe into the incident and ensure that the scrapyard is demolished as it is in a residential area,” he stated.
“We have also demanded that a probe be initiated to find out about the origin of the three chlorine gas cylinders,” Adwalpalkar said, adding that the Collector had informed them that a probe was already underway and that she would ensure the scrapyard was demolished.
St Cruz Congress Block President John Nazareth informed them that the Collector had also assured them that action would be taken against other illegal scrapyards operating in the village.
When questioned whether the Congress would raise the issue in the Assembly, Nazareth said, “Our party will definitely raise the issue in the Assembly as it is not limited only to Merces but to the entire Goa.”
Meanwhile, the locals have threatened that if no action is taken against the scrapyard, they will hold an agitation outside the Merces panchayat. “We have petitioned all authorities, and if we don’t see any action against the scrapyard, we will hold an agitation outside the Merces panchayat,” one of the locals informed. The locals have also decided to corner the panchayat authorities on the issue at the gram sabha.
