MARGAO: The announcement made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to legalise scrap yards operating in Goa has been met with concern by citizens and social activists, who are urging the government to first relocate all scrap yards from residential areas.
Some have even suggested that the government should frame policy guidelines to monitor and raise awareness about the proliferation of scrap yards.
At the recent Assembly session, the CM announced that scrap yards in Goa must register with the Goa Waste Management Corporation to regulate their activities. However, it is worth noting that many scrap yards are currently operating illegally and are located in residential areas or near populated settlements. These yards often store toxic and flammable materials, which pose a risk to the public.
“We agree that the regulation of scrap yards is necessary, but the government must first create awareness among citizens, as every village is burdened with the mess created by scrap yards,” said Freddy Travasso from Sao Jose de Areal.
He urged the government to come up with proper plans to regulate the operations of scrap yards, rather than just issuing assurances on paper.
Camilo Barretto, a councillor of Margao Municipal Council, also demanded that the government first relocate scrap yards located in residential areas. Barretto has previously raised concerns about illegal scrap yards in Chandrawaddo in Fatorda. “Hazardous waste is being handled in scrap yards, which can pose a danger to people's lives. There have been incidents of blasts reported in scrap yards located in Fatorda before,” he said.
Barretto suggested that such scrap yards should be relocated to areas with a lower population or isolated areas to reduce the risk to people’s lives.