Guidelines for locating industries on river banks in effect till RP approval

PANJIM, JULY 6
The guidelines for locating industries along the river banks as recommended by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will be in effect till the State Government approves Regional Plan 2011.
The State Government on Monday filed an affidavit in this respect in Public Interest Litigation in a writ petition before High Court.
It means, though fresh applications for setting up of industries along the river banks would be considered now, permissions would be granted in accordance with guidelines framed by GSPCB.
When the matter came up for hearing before the Division Bench of Justices B P Dharmadhikari and U D Salvi, on Monday, amicus curiae Norma Alvares told the Court that there is no clarity as regards to granting permissions for industries along river banks.
The Advocate General Subodh Kantak stated that guidelines form part of the draft RP 2011 however it has not been approved yet.
The draft RP 2011 has not been finalised yet as government is still looking into suggestions and objections on RP 2011, invited from various sections of the society, NGOs, and civic bodies.