the goan I network
MARGAO
Exactly three months after the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) slapped a fine of Rs one crore on the Margao Municipal Council as compensation for the week-long Sonsodo fire, the civic body is bracing up to challenge the notice before the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
While GSPCB Member Secretary Dr Sharmila Monteiro told The Goan that the MMC has sought time to act on the Pollution Control Board notice, the civic body’s lawyer Adv Maria Mesquita said the presently work on drafting an appeal to challenge the notice before the NGT was on.
The GSPCB had on August 1 issued the notice to the MMC to pay a compensation amounting to Rs one crore on the “polluter pays” principle for the damage caused to the environment by the fire that engulfed the Sonsodo yard for a week, beginning from May 25. In fact, the GSPCB had stated in the notice that the Board will take the responsibility for the restoration of the environment.
The Board had warned the MMC that failure to pay the compensation within the stipulated period would compel the GSPCB to initiate stringent legal action against the civic body.
