PANAJI: Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB) on Thursday ordered that seven stone crusher units in south Goa be closed down for operating without consent and causing pollution in the neighbourhood.
GSPCB has issued closure notices to S J Enterprises in Benaulim, Quality Granites in Sanvordem, Gonsalves Enterprises in Margao, Jerry Enterprises and Sandhya Enterprises, both in Quepem, Mallikarjun Crushing Co in St Jose de Areal and Tibna Metal Industry in Chinchinim. There are around 61 stone crushers operating in south Goa.
On receiving complaints from the villagers, GSPCB conducted the inspection of stone crusher units and found that 17 of these were not operational and three were untraceable.
Eleven of these were operating with all permissions, while 24 were found operating with minor deficiencies.
Among those made to shut down, two were found to be operating without consent, while five were operating with major deficiencies. The board issued closure notices under Section 33(A), read with Section 25 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
The board had earlier issued show-cause notices to the seven companies to justify as to why there should not be action initiated against their units to suspend operation, as they were operating without valid consent of the board as required under Section 21 of the Air Act 1981.
"Perusal of records available in this office indicates that you have failed to reply to the aforestated show cause notice till date and such operation of a unit amounts to violation of provisions of the Air Act and Water Act and it further results in causing air pollution in the vicinity," stated the closure notice.
"Failure to comply with the aforesaid directions will compel the board to initiate stringent legal action against units under provisions of the Air Act without any further notice," the closure notice added.
Board has also directed South Goa collector under Section 31(A) to ensure that these directions are served upon the management of these seven stone crushing units and further ensure that operation of the above mentioned units be stopped, sealed or closed with immediate effect. The board has also asked compliance report in this regard may be submitted to the office.
