Team Herald
MARGAO: A scrapyard located on the banks of River Sal in Benaulim has finally shut shop following an immediate closure order issued by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). The facility had long symbolised the unchecked pollution threatening Goa’s rivers, fields, and wetlands, raising concerns about the environmental integrity of the coastal State.
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The Member Secretary of the GSPCB, Dr Shamila Monteiro, had previously warned the operator of Nikhil Traders of stringent legal action under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, should they fail to comply with the closure notice.
Acting under Sections 31(A) and 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the GSPCB ordered the immediate cessation of all activities. An inspection by the GSPCB also detailed operations that included collecting cardboard, paper, and PET bottles from commercial establishments and through door-to-door collections. Two high-capacity bailing machines—800 kg and 1200 kg—were found at the site, further raising concerns about the scale of the operations.
The closure marks an important step in combating pollution along River Sal and ensuring stricter compliance with environmental regulations.
The GSPCB’s decisive action highlights the urgent need to address pollution threats and preserve Goa’s delicate ecosystems. However, it also underscores the continued vigilance required to prevent similar violations in the future.
