TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BICHOLIM: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has directed a steel rolling mill from Bicholim to submit application for renewal of consent to operate within seven days, failing which the Board would take legal action.
It may be recalled that Vinendra Govekar of Muslimwada-Bicholim on November 18, 2013, in a complaint had highlighted the problem of pollution in the area and had urged GSPCB to act in the matter. Following the complaint, the Board inspected the site on December 12, 2013, and made eight observations.
The Board observed that thin layer of black dust particles were seen deposited on surrounding houses, trees, vehicles, etc. Water drain outside the premises was full of slag powder, the unit has exceeded the production quantity, unit generates 90-100 MT/month of slag against Board consent which is 1.0 MT/month.
It was also observed that the unit does not have consent from the Board for the slag crushing machine. The unit had also failed to submit application for renewal of consent.
The Board in a letter dated February 6, 2014, directed the unit to renew consent to operate under Section 25/26 of the Water Act and under Section 21 of the Air Act within seven days from the date of receipt of the direction.
It also directed the unit to operate air pollution control equipments effectively and store the slag in a proper manner and submit compliance report to the Board.
“Failure to comply with the direction will compel the Board to initiate stringent legal action against you under the provision of the Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1974 and Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1981 without further notice, which may include closure direction to your unit,” the letter reads.
