TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: This sounds unbelievable and only exposes the ineffectiveness and indifference of the agencies to enforce the rules in force over the years.
Inspection of the stone crushing units in the Sao Jose de Areal-Sarzora-Dramapur belt by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has revealed an alarming situation. A whopping 24 crushers have been either found involved in gross violations or had severe shortcomings, indicating the extent of pollution caused by the stone crushing units in the belt.
Of the 64 stone crushers spread across the three villages, three were not traceable anywhere in these villages, while as many as 14 units were found non-operational.
While 23 crushers were found complying with the conditions and guidelines, 10 were found operation in gross violations of the condition, while the remaining 14 had severe shortcomings.
Commenting on the development, GSPCB Chairman Jose Manuel Noronha said the Board would issue notices to the stone crushing units with gross irregularities to show-cause why the units should not be closed down immediately. The Board would also issue directions to the 14 units with shortcomings to comply with the conditions within a time frame or face closure. The notices and directions will go to the units on Tuesday given that Monday is a public holiday.
Replying to a question, Noronha said the Board had set as many as five parameters to gauge the status of the stone crushing units. They include the installation of dust compressors, water sprinklers, construction of wind breaking walls, construction of tarred roads, maintenance of green belt by planting trees and cleanliness of the ground.
Besides the directions and notices, the GSPCB has also decided to install an ambient air quality station to monitor the air quality around the Sao Jose de Areal-Sarzora-Dramapur belt. “The Board will seek cooperation of the local panchayat body for space and other infrastructure such as power supply to set up the air quality station. We need a secure site to install the air quality station, which cost around Rs 10 lakh,” Noronha said, while saying the Board will officially approach the local panchayat bodies for help and assistance.
