MAPUSA
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has ordered the closure of three restaurants in Khorlim-Mapusa for operating without necessary consent to operate.
This directive follows complaints of water contamination in the housing complex, leading to an investigation and subsequent actions by the board.
On Monday, the state administration sealed M/s Friends Corner Café and Restaurant.
The other two establishments, M/s Walke Food Station and M/s Kinjal Kitchen, are expected to be sealed by the end of the week.
The GSPCB’s inspection of a well and the three restaurants revealed contaminated water samples, prompting immediate action.
The GSPCB stated that the restaurants violated the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, by failing to obtain the required consent to operate. Consequently, the board has ordered all three restaurants to suspend operations until they receive the necessary permissions.
In its order, the GSPCB warned that failure to comply would result in stringent legal action against the proprietors under the relevant acts.
“In exercise of the powers vested with this Board under section 33 (A) of the Water and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and 1981 it is directed to close/suspend the operation of the unit till such time as the Board grants it consent to operate,” said Shamila Monteiro, Member Secretary of GSPCB in her order to the three restaurants.
This enforcement action was driven by a sustained campaign from residents of the White Castle Building complex in Khorlim, Mapusa.
Complainants Sarika Vashisth, Umesh Chari, and Siddhesh Khadapatti reported the contamination of the well, which supplied water to both the residential units and the restaurants.
While the GSPCB has taken steps against the restaurants, the complainants are also seeking redress from the health department, Mapusa municipality, water resources department, and the consumer conciliation committee regarding this issue and other related grievances.
Many Mapusa food units doing biz without GSPCB consent
MAPUSA: More than a dozen restaurants, cold drink establishments, and mutton and chicken shops in the Mapusa municipal market are operating without the required consent to operate permission from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
Information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act indicates that the GSPCB lacks details on whether specific commercial units in Mapusa have obtained the necessary approval. This includes popular establishments, various chicken, mutton, and beef shops in the municipal market. The absence of GSPCB consent raises concerns about regulatory compliance and the potential environmental impact of these businesses.
The board’s inability to confirm the operating status of these units highlights a significant oversight in monitoring and enforcement. Further action from the GSPCB and other relevant authorities is anticipated as the situation develops.
