Team Herald
Panjim: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has issued directions under section 5 of the Environment Protection Act to the Old Goa Panchayat to take appropriate measures and submit compliance report on mass dumping of garbage within the heritage zone precincts at Old Goa.
The issue was raised by the Aam Admi Party, which had also drawn the attention of various authorities responsible to ensure the heritage zone is maintained as per standards.
AAP General Secretary Pradeep Padgaonkar, who was the complainant in the matter, informed that an AAP Team had visited the heritage zone at the invitation of locals due to a growing problem of garbage.
It was noticed the parking lot, close to the river was full of mixed decaying garbage that was emanating a foul smell in the vicinity. AAP had taken up the issue as the area was visited by a large number of foreign and domestic tourists.
Padgaonkar said that though the complaint was lodged in September 2018, finally the GSPCB has issued a notice in January 2019, after passing the papers through several departments.
“Better late than never. Though action has still not been taken, they have at least shown their intention to do so, which is a positive sign. I hope the issue is brought to its logical end. The Panchayat that gets lot of revenue from Old Goa stalls should at least act now” said Padgaonkar.
Meanwhile, Padgaonkar said AAP is reminding those politicians who had thronged Old Goa on December 3rd, 2018; that they have a duty to ensure that not only Old Goa but all heritage zones and priceless heritage in the state is protected in terms of the laws specially made for the purpose.
“The bigger danger to our heritage is from departments of the Government such as TCP and Revenue which are prone to influence from builder lobby” said Padgaonkar.
