Narvekar corners govt over illegal scrap yards in Bardez

PANJIM, FEB 1
Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar took the government to task over illegal scrap yards operating on the agriculture land along National Highway 17 from Karaswada to Colvale village.
Raising the question of illegal scarp yards especially, those operating between Karaswada and Colvale village in Bardez taluka, during Question Hour on Tuesday, the Aldona MLA sought to know who had given them permission and what action would be taken against the operators of illegal scarp yards.
He said huge tracts of land are being used for commercial purpose and the scrap yard owners are posing threat to locals.
Narvekar came down heavily on the government for not giving him proper reply to his question.
He sought to know the number of scrap yards located in the jurisdiction of Bardez taluka.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat who is also the minister for industries, in his written reply informed the House that exact number could not be given, as no survey of that nature has been carried out.
However, he told the House that a total 83 applications have been received for registration under Goa Waste (Scrap) Recycling Unit Scheme 2010 formed by the department for Bardez taluka.
Under the scheme it is proposed to relocate scrap yards located in residential areas.
The scheme was formulated by the government when the issue had reached High Court.
A law student Jatin Ramaiya had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) complaining of illegal operation of scarp yards in the State.
Responding to subsequent queries of the Aldona MLA, the chief minister also told the House that applications received would be scrutinised by the committees constituted for each taluka.
He also offered to place a detailed report pertaining to illegal scrap yards in Bardez taluka on the table of the House.