Paints manufacturing unit asked to stop work

Paints manufacturing unit asked to stop work
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 20
A day after the Environment Minister Alexio Sequiera assured the House of strict action against the company, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) ordered a Berger Paints manufacturing unit located at the Pilerne industrial estate to suspend operations for polluting ground water resources.
Berger Paints, a major decorative paint manufacturing company in India, was being probed by GSPCB for polluting ground water in villages near Pilerne Industrial Estate.
The suspension order was issued by GSPCB Chairman Dr Simon de Souza after conducting a hearing on the issue.
The management of the company Berger Becker Industries Coating Private Limited has also been asked to “manage, handle and dispose off all the hazardous waste stored at the unit,” until which the operations will remain suspended.
The unit has also been asked to clear solvent, which was being discharged into the storm water drains and report to the authority within seven days.
The order also directs the district collector to seal the premises and disconnect the water and electricity supply to the unit.
Replying to a calling attention motion yesterday, Sequeira had said that the State Pollution Control Board was conducting a hearing after residents of Saipem village filed a complaint under the Water and Air Pollution Act.
“We will take strict action in accordance with law after the hearing, which is a part of official procedure,” Alexio had assured the assembly.
Berger Becker Industries Coating Pvt Ltd manufactures industrial paint, industrial colour powders, white wash colours and paint pigments.