VASCO
The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has decided to take action against scrapyards operating in the municipal jurisdiction after voicing concern over recent fire mishaps at scrapyards in the State.
According to sources, several scrapyards operating in various locations at Vasco and are in close proximity of residential areas.
MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar on Monday said the council had received several complains regarding the scrapyards.
“With major fire mishaps having taken place at many scrapyards across the State in recent times, we have decided to act against those operating in Vasco. The process to remove the scrapyards from the town has begun and notices will be served shortly,” Gaonkar told reporters.
“Some scrapyards are operating in densely populated locations, while some are in remote locations with narrow access making it difficult for emergency services to reach the site in case of a fire.”
The MMC chairperson said he had taken note of the recent Colvale fire incident and had asked the chief officer to survey all scrapyards in the municipality and to send notices to these.
“There is already a circular that all scrapyards in city limits must be moved out. In case a fire breaks out at a scrapyard, several adjacent houses could be destroyed and lives of people could be put at risk. I have given strict instructions to send notices to all scrapyards and make necessary arrangements to move them out,” said Gaonkar.
“I have checked the files and realized that notices were sent to scrapyards in 2014. It was the responsibility of the then council and chief officer to take action, but they have not done so,” he added.
