MARGAO: In a major crackdown against food establishments causing pollution in and around Margao town, the Mamlatdar of Salcete carried out a drive on Tuesday wherein they sealed a total of 19 such establishments, comprising shops, local restaurants, and small hotels. This drive was carried out as per the instructions of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
The sealing operations began at 11 am under the direction of Mamlatdar Salcete Bhiku Gawas via the GSPCB order dated May 15, 2024.
It was conducted as per the provisions of Section 33(A), read with Sections 25 and 26 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 31A, read with Section 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
Teams comprising the Mamlatdar, Talati of Salcete, Margao Circle Inspector, and GSPCB officials were aided by police protection as they executed the sealing of the premises.
The establishments sealed were Furtado Bar and Restaurant, Khareband, Madgaum Café, Bombay Café, Sagun Hotel, Star Hotel, Goa Guest House; Tony Cold Drink; Amche Dukan; Shaikh Bepari Beef shop (Gandhi Market); Himalaya Ice Cream Parlour, Star Chicken Centre, (Gandhi Market); Casmiro Bar, Laxmi Hotel, A-1 Fast Food, (near flyover bridge); Breeza Hotel; Goan Bar, Bharat Café, Tandoor restaurant, (near railway gate); and finally Beef Centre, Gandhi Market.
According to the Talathi, advance notices had been issued to the owners of these shops and hotels regarding sealing for failing to take proper precautions against discharging sewage and causing pollution in the vicinity. However, some owners have expressed unhappiness with the pollution control board’s decision and requested revocation of the order. Some owners went to the Additional Collector’s office for relief, and were told to contact GSPCB directly.
Civic officials warn that more such sealing drives could be carried out if other polluting units don’t curtail unlawful activities compromising the environment.
