MARGAO: Former Paroda sarpanch Gabriel Fernandes has reiterated his threat to file contempt proceedings against the Goa State Pollution Control Board before the National Green Tribunal for failing to take action against the “illegal” crusher operated by Congress MLA Clafasio Dias at Mullem ward of the village.
Questioning the need for an inspection of the crusher, Fernandes demanded that the MLA pay the crores of rupees he owes the government in taxes.
It may be recalled that on December 24, 2018 officials of Goa State Pollution Control Board inspected the crusher operated by Seema Dias, who is Clafasio’s wife, at Mullem and said the inspection was following a telephonic complaint.
Fernandes dismissed Clafasio’s claim that he had issued the licence for the crusher when he was the sarpanch of the village and clarified that he had issued only a provisional NOC which was valid only for six months and which asked the applicant to comply with all required norms.
“The NOC was issued following a gram sabha resolution and the applicant did not comply with the requirements mentioned in it and it lapsed after six months and was never renewed,” said Gabriel adding that Clafasio had gone an establishment license from the Goa State Pollution Control Board which was valid for three years and which was not renewed after its expiry.
“Despite the crusher unit being a red industry, the Goa State Pollution Control Board suddenly gave a fresh establishment license without renewing the old one or discussing it at the board meeting as required by law,” he said adding that the crusher operated without licence from 2008 to 20015.
He said that by operating the crusher for that period without licence or permission, Clafasio evaded paying income tax and commercial tax on the business of around Rs 8.91 crore he conducted during that period.
“My case is only pertaining to the illegal operation of the crusher from 2008 to 2015 and the taxes due to the government should be paid by Clafasio over the business he conducted during that period,” Gabriel said.
He said that the Water Resources Department has issued a demolition order against the crusher unit as it is operating in Government land that was acquired for the Selaulim Irrigation Project by the Water Resources Department.
Besides, he said the NGT has already directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board to take action against the unit and wondered why there was an inspection conducted instead of demolishing the crusher.
“I want action to be taken against the illegal act committed by Clafacio and if no action is taken I shall have no option but to file contempt of court proceedings before the NGT,” said Gabriel while pointing out that citizens like him are harassed to get justice.
