BICHOLIM
Locals have demanded immediate action against the iron smelting furnace in Bicholim after several houses were rocked by a series of four blasts in the factory on Wednesday evening.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye and Maem MLA Premedra Shet inspected the rolling mill on Friday and took stock of the incident. On discussing with the officers and employees present at the factory, it was found that they did not possess any official certificates and information. In this regard, MLA Shetye contacted the officials of Factories and Boilers and the Goa Pollution Control Board and inquired about the overall management of the establishment.
The government officials have issued a show cause notice to the company while the locals have demanded action against the unit if it doesn't ensure their safety. The reasons for the blasts are yet to be known.
MLA Shet also expressed his anger over the mismanagement of the plant and criticised the unit owners for taking people for granted. He demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and asked for a report to be prepared detailing the mishap so that action could be taken against those responsible for any errors.
Meanwhile, the locals expressed fear after Thursday's incident and demanded that no licence should be allotted to the rolling mill if there is a danger to the lives of the people of the area. They urged the MLAs to put in place measures with maximum precautions for their safety.
