OLD GOA
Residents in Merces have petitioned the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to take action against the illegal scrapyard at Bamon Bhatt, where a recent gas leak incident was reported.
In the petition, the locals have requested the GSPCB to seal the illegal scrapyard as it puts the entire public at risk of health hazards and detrimentally affects the ecology.
The memorandum was submitted to GSPCB Chairman Mahesh Patil, who was informed that the scrapyard is illegally operating in the village.
The chairman was also informed that the area is densely populated and that such scrapyards cannot be allowed to operate in residential areas.
The locals also pointed out the GSPCB guidelines regarding scrapyards/waste collectors and expressed the view that action should be taken against the illegal scrapyard.
“As per the hazardous waste rules, no person can handle such waste/chemicals without a licence, and as per these rules, the Pollution Control Board has to monitor facilities/scrapyards storing such hazardous chemicals/waste within their premises,” the petition states.
It adds that handling chlorine gas in an open shed, especially in a residential area, is a clear violation of GSPCB rules.
