Team Herald
PONDA: The case against 11 illegal scrapyards operating in Dhavali, Kavlem panchayat, came up for hearing before the Court of Deputy Collector on Friday. Although Kavlem Sarpanch Manuja Naik and other panch members, along with their lawyer, attended the hearing and briefed the Deputy Collector about the Gram sabha’s demand to clear the illegal scrapyards, none of the scrapyard operators were present for the hearing.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 18.
The Deputy Collector directed the Fire Department, Pollution Control Board, Mamlatdar, and other government agencies to submit their reports on the scrapyards’ operations. Speaking to the media, Kavlem Sarpanch Manuja Naik stated that all scrapyards operating in Kavlem are illegal.
According to advocate Surel Tilve representing the local body, it had complained to the Deputy Collector in February this year, stating that around 11 scrapyards were illegally operating at Dhavali. The scrapyard operators were issued show cause notices under Section 133 of CrPC, citing public nuisance and safety concerns related to fire incidents. The Deputy Collector was also informed about the potential danger to public health due to the empty barrels that could result in the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria in the rainy season.
At Friday’s hearing, the scrapyard operators were asked to submit their documents and permissions, but none were present.
The Ponda Mamlatdar had already submitted a report, confirming that the scrapyards were operating illegally without permission. The report highlighted the potential health hazards caused by the empty
barrels, and the risk of diseases spreading during the rainy season.
The Panchayat’s lawyer urged the Deputy Collector to prioritize public safety and expedite the hearings.
