SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will issue a show cause notice to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) for causing environmental destruction by dumping waste near the under construction western bypass site at Benaulim.
The inspection by GSPCB revealed a significant volume of dry waste including garden waste and discarded coconut shells dumped at the site, indicating a potential threat to the local environment. Further, electronic waste (e-waste) found at the site raised concerns about the improper disposal of hazardous materials in the vicinity.
It may be recalled that recently Benaulim residents had caught trucks of Margao Municipal Council dumping mixed waste in their area. There were police complaints registered against MMC Chief Officer Gaurish Sankhwalkar and chairperson Damodar Shirodkar.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas accused the MMC of creating nuisance in Benaulim by dumping their waste.
He had even demanded that Damodar Shirodkar step down as MMC chairperson.
The Benaulim Village Panchayat besides the locals had demanded that a panchanama be conducted besides the GSPCB inspect the site before the dump is lifted.
The GSPCB on Thursday rushed to the site and conducted the inspection.
Speaking to mediapersons, Junior Environmental Engineer Siddhant Prabhudessai confirmed that a show cause notice would be issued to the Margao Municipal Council following the proper procedural steps.
“The complainant had submitted photographic evidence wherein MMC-owned trucks were engaged in dumping of waste and later trying to remove the same,” he stated.
