2 scrap yards razed at Areal

MARGAO, APRIL 16
The long-drawn battle by the villagers of Sao Jose de Areal against illegal scrapyards drew first success with the Panchayat body razing down two scrap yards on Friday.
A group of labourers went about the demolition work in the presence of the sarpanch, deputy Sarpanch, panch members and Salcete Block Development Officer, Uday Prabhudesai under police protection.
The JCB was pressed into service this evening to flatten the yard and the owners were issued strict instructions to lift away the scrap glass bottles immediately or face auction of the goods.
Deputy Sarpanch Vincy Mascarenhas said the demolition operation was carried out after following the due process of law. “Action against the two scrap yards was initiated after complying with the legal procedures. The Panchayat has set the process on in respect of six other scrap yards in the village”, the deputy Sarpanch said.
He said the action against the scrap yards has the backing of the gram sabha resolutions as villagers were steadfast in their demand to remove the illegal scrap yards from the village.
Replying to a question, he said around 40 scrap yards are located in the village as per a circular, adding that the Panchayat would begin the process to get rid of all the illegal yards.
BDO Uday Prabhudesai said the demolition operation was requisitioned by the Sao Jose de Areal panchayat. The operation was initially delayed for want of the police force and commenced after the men-in-uniform made their presence felt at the site. An executive magistrate was present at the site as a precautionary measure.