Team Herald
PONDA: The illegal operation of scrapyards on private lands in Ponda is causing uproar among citizens due to the hazardous conditions they create. These businesses generate lakhs of rupees in income for the landowners, while the local panchayat is left with zero income. Despite the panchayat issuing notices, landowners approach the courts and obtain stays, leaving the cases subjudice for years.
During an inspection of several scrapyards conducted by the Kavlem panchayat, a team of officials from the Ponda Mamlatdar, and the AK (Avval Karkun), it was revealed that these scrapyards are operating illegally, without the necessary certifications, including pollution certificates, panchayat and fire NOCs.
For instance, RK scrapyard operating near the Dhavlim petrol pump was found to be engaged in hazardous activities, such as running kitchens with LPG cylinders in the midst of densely packed materials such as plastic bags, barrels, and paper. This could potentially result in a disastrous incident, leaving little chance for rescue, said locals. Sarpanch Manuja Naik, who was present during the inspection, expressed concern over the issue. “The scrapyards are illegal and were inspected today. We do not get any income, and the locals want all these scrapyards removed,” she said. Naik went on to explain that the panchayat had taken action against these scrapyards in the past, but they had managed to obtain stays from the court. Residential rooms housing full families and kitchens were found in some scrapyards, which also stored wooden material. Some scrapyards can be seen burning scrap during the night, while many turn into havens for anti-social activities at night. Without proper toilets, open defecation is rampant.
Kavlem villagers demand that the authorities clear the nuisance from the village. Since the panchayat is incapable of taking action against these scrapyards, locals have demanded that the government shift the scrapyards to industrial estates.
However, the scrapyard owners say this isn’t an option for them, considering the huge cost involved in shifting to an IDC.
