High Court orders inspection of Cuncolim units

PANJIM: Goa Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has been asked by the High
Court to inspect the nine industrial units in Cuncolim, allegedly
producing hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and check out whether
they have complied with the National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute (NEERI) recommendations.

Once the inspection is over, they would have to submit a report to the
Division bench of Justice RS Mohite and Justice NA Britto.

Further, the state government has been asked make a statement on
affidavit about how long it will take to set up the hazardous waste
landfill site in Dharbondara, which falls in Sanvordem constituency.
The Court was hearing the petition filed by Oscar Martins, against the
nine industrial units in Cuncolim, which are producing hazardous, and
non-hazardous waste.

The counsel for the petitioner, Aires Rodrigues, stated that two
companies - Sunrise Zinc Ltd and Nicomet - continue to produce
hazardous waste and there is need for a landfill site as between the
two, they are produce 18 tonnes of hazardous waste. This is as per the
NERI report. The Court then asked the government how long it would
take for them to set up the landfill site for disposition of hazardous
waste.

Later, hearing the petition filed by Ratnakar Dessai, also against the
pollution caused by the industrial units operating in Cuncolim
industrial estate and how it has led to the destruction of fields,
nullahs and storm water drains, the Court has asked Water Resources
and Agriculture department to take immediate steps.

The two departments have been asked to assess the extent of damage to
the fields and submit a report regarding the damage of the fields and
canal. Further, Water Resources department has been asked to inspect
whether any industrial units are dumping their waste, hazardous or
non-hazardous, into the storm water drains and nullahs.

Water Resources department has also been asked by the Court to issue
prior notices regarding inspection to the amicus curiae Advocate Tamba
and concerned respondents, to enable the concerned parties to remain
present at the time of inspection