HERALD: GSPCB is one of the authorities that is supposed to regulate beach shack operations. What are the prime issues the board deals with?
Noronha: The Board mainly deals with the air and water pollution issues. Our duty is to direct the shacks to put up proper sewage disposal facilities and also have proper facilities to handle dry and wet waste. We monitor the functioning of these shacks as and when required.
HERALD: It has been observed that some shack operators discharge sewage into the sand, polluting the sea water and nearby water bodies.
Noronha:Yes, we too have observed this. The shacks basically create soak pits in the sand and release the sewage. Also the dry and wet waste was thrown on the beaches (behind each shack). This leads to unhealthy conditions and environmental problems. Following an NGT order, we had issued notices to over 350 shack operators to apply for consent under the Air and Water Acts, which ensures that we keep vigil on these temporary huts.
HERALD: So have fresh directions been issued to these shacks that were found operating in violations?
Noronha:We have asked shack operators to set up holding tanks that will hold the released sewage and to set up night soil tanks to suck off sewage and release the same in the nearby sewage treatment plant. They are also directed to maintain a log book. On the waste front, the shack operators claim that the respective panchayats collects it, but the fact is that it either continues to remain piled up on the beach areas or is sent to piggeries.
HERALD: What action can be initiated for continuous violation?
Noronha: Every business unit has to follow the conditions applied under the Consent to Operate under the Air and Water Acts. The continuous failure to adhere to the directions would force the board to shut down the operation. We have done so in the past in case of some shacks in South Goa. Also 40-50 show cause notices have also been issued.
HERALD: Is the lack of coordination amongst the various regulatory bodies responsible for the illegalities or violations by the shack operators?
Noronha:Could be. There is no sync between GSPCB and tourism department. It is the duty of department to inform the Board as and when permissions for shack operations are granted. A perfect coordination amongst these two authorities can help government to keep track of all the violations by these shack operators.
