PANJIM: Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has directed Venkatrao Infrastructure Ltd, contractor for the Old Goa to Panjim corridor road, and PWD Division VII (NH) to continuously sprinkle water to suppress the dust and to tar the temporary un-tarred road. This follows a complaint of dust pollution from residents of Kadamba Plateau.
Last week Herald had reported the problems that residents of the area and commuters on the road were facing due to the dust pollution at the Plateau. GSPCB inspected the site on April 2, 2015 and found gross violations and said there have been no measures taken by the contractor while demolishing the old road for the construction of the new road.
GSPCB has recommended continuous water sprinkling for dust suppression at regular intervals of time at every house from 10 am to 6 pm, and every two hours from 6 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 10 pm
It has also directed the contractor and PWD division VII to provide proper signages for diversion and give details of the projects. GSPCB has asked the contractor to furnish the necessary documents regarding permissions from forest and water departments and also the details of the project.
GSPCB also strictly warned the contractor that failure to comply with the direction will compel the board to initiate stringent legal action against the contractor under provisions of section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 and under section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
During the inspection GSPCB also found more than 100 labourers residing at the site in hutments without proper toilet facilities.
“Despite such strict directions to the contractor and PWD nothing has changed in the area as the houses adjacent to the corridor are still facing dust pollution. None of the directions have been followed by the contractor and PWD,” complainant Sudip Tamankar said and requested GSPCB to initiate action against the violators.
