Team Herald
MARGAO: Municipal and pollution control authorities in Margao have intensified action against commercial establishments illegally discharging sewage into stormwater drains, following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Prof Antonio Alvares that highlighted severe contamination of Salpem Lake.
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The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) issued closure notices to 46 establishments, with Chief Officer Melvyn Vaz warning that non-compliance would result in the immediate sealing of premises.
Despite the crackdown, enforcing the HC’s directives has hit a roadblock, with the Salcete Mamlatdar reporting difficulties in identifying the non-compliant establishments.
The process began with show-cause notices on February 12, 2024, directing the owners to halt sewage discharge and explain why their trade licenses should not be revoked. However, these establishments failed to respond or take corrective action, and the errant shop and restaurant owners did even not appear for hearings, prompting the MMC to escalate the issue to the High Court (HC). On November 19, the HC ordered the MMC to act against the establishments and submit a status report by January 13. The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) was also directed to seal 51 businesses operating without proper consent, process pending applications within four weeks, and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with sewage disposal norms.
Despite these directives, enforcement has faced significant challenges. Salcete Mamlatdar Vimod Dalal reported difficulties in identifying the non-compliant establishments, with a local talathi unable to locate the businesses in question. Dalal has requested the GSPCB to assist in identifying the establishments through joint inspections. Meanwhile, the municipal taxation section has been tasked with verifying commercial operations lacking trade licenses, as part of broader efforts to ensure compliance.
The HC had previously directed the MMC to inspect sewage discharge across its jurisdiction within 16 weeks and take corrective measures. However, despite multiple levels of intervention, including directives from Deputy Collector Velton Tellis for swift action, no establishments have been sealed or shut down, rendering the court and GSPCB orders largely ineffective.
