Team Herald
MARGAO: The meat stalls at the SGPDA retail market complex have finally received Consent to Operate after more than two decades since the market's commissioning. This approval was recently issued by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), bringing long-awaited relief to stall owners selling chicken, mutton, and beef.
However, the stall operators now face the challenge of connecting their units to the PWD underground sewer system. The GSPCB's directive, issued under various environmental protection laws, mandates the proper disposal of wastewater into the sewer line within a month. Failure to comply could lead to renewed sanctions, as the board had previously issued closure notices for the improper disposal of wastewater into open drains.
The GSPCB has also specified that effluent levels, both sewage and sullage, from the stalls must not exceed 0.02 KLD, and the stall operators have been instructed to maintain their premises in a clean and leak-free condition.
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira recently handed over these Consent to Operate orders in the presence of various officials concerned, including the Chairman of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) Chairman Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar. Discussions were also held with all of them on connecting the meat stalls to the sewage line, with the officials emphasizing the need for further estimates and water connections.
Stall owners have been asked to secure water NOCs from the SGPDA to ensure a smooth transition, while the PWD has been instructed to expedite individual water connections for the retail market traders.
New lift for SGDPA building
within three months
MARGAO: Providing an update on the elevator issue that has caused huge inconvenience to those visiting government offices at the Osia Complex in Margao, South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) Chairman Krishna ‘Daji Salkar’ has said the SGPDA building will get a new lift for one wing where government offices are located within 3 months.
He added that presently the lift has been repaired and pointed out that the onus is not fully on the government alone as there are many private offices and shops in the Osia complex building, who should also get the other lifts repaired as well. He questioned why SGPDA is only blamed for the lift issue.