Local residents claim that more than 200 truckloads of waste have been dumped at the Narayan Nagar site.
VALPOI
MLA Deviya Rane has taken serious note of the alleged dumping of industrial waste at Narayan Nagar in Honda Gram Panchayat and directed the police to investigate the role of the truck owner and the concerned contractor.
Deviya has directed that appropriate legal action be taken if their involvement is established. She has also instructed the Honda Gram Panchayat Secretary to immediately inspect the site, conduct a survey, prepare a panchanama and initiate the necessary legal procedure.
The incident came to light after a large quantity of industrial waste was allegedly dumped near a residential area and the cremation ground at Narayan Nagar, raising concern among residents over possible risks to public health and the environment.
Local residents claim that more than 200 truckloads of waste have been dumped at the site. However, the exact quantity and number of truckloads will have to be verified through an official inspection.
Valpoi Police have reportedly registered a case against truck driver Yashwant Gaude. However, residents and social workers have questioned why the investigation has not also covered the truck owner and contractor allegedly responsible for transporting and disposing of the waste.
Rane has stressed the need to establish who instructed the dumping of the waste, where it originated, which contractor was responsible for transporting it and where it was supposed to be legally disposed of.
The role of the truck owner, contractor and any other persons involved will need to be established through the investigation, with action taken wherever responsibility is confirmed.
Residents have also raised concern over the alleged covering of the dumped waste with soil. They have demanded that the material be properly removed and disposed of through an authorised process.
They have urged the authorities to inspect the site and collect samples before the waste is removed so that its nature and source can be established and relevant evidence preserved.
Rane has directed the Honda Panchayat Secretary to conduct a survey, prepare a panchanama and initiate further proceedings within the legal framework.
Residents have expressed concern over the lack of visible action at the site and are awaiting clarity from the Panchayat on the steps taken following the directions.
The waste has reportedly been dumped close to the cremation ground and residential areas. Residents fear that rainfall could cause material from the site to spread to surrounding areas.
The exact nature of the waste, whether it contains hazardous substances and whether it poses any risk to soil, water or public health must be established through scientific testing.
Residents have alleged that the waste was brought from a paper mill in the Honda Industrial Estate. However, the source and nature of the material have not been officially established.
An inquiry has therefore been sought into the industrial unit, transportation contractor, truck owner and driver, as well as the circumstances under which the waste was allegedly brought to Narayan Nagar.
Residents and social workers have demanded that the Goa State Pollution Control Board and other competent authorities inspect the site, collect samples and conduct scientific tests.
If the material is found to be hazardous, responsibility for its safe removal and disposal will need to be established. The authorities have also been urged to assess any possible environmental impact and take preventive measures.
Residents of Narayan Nagar and others in Sattari are now awaiting action on the directions issued by the MLA and clarity from the police, Panchayat and environmental authorities on the source and disposal of the waste.
