Panaji – It is shocking to note that 686 out of 699 Scrapyards are illegally operating in Goa occupying almost 1.58 lakhs square meters of Land, most of which is in the properties of Communidades, in Residential Areas and Residential Houses. This proves that the BJP Government is promoting “Scrapyard Mafia” in Goa charged Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.
He demanded that Government must come out with a “Scrapyard Policy” to regulate the Scrapyard Operations in Goa. Leader of Opposition alleged that the Collectors of North & South Goa Districts, Municipal & Panchayat Administration as well as Goa State Pollution Control Board are deliberately turning a Blind Eye on the illegal Scrapyards.
Leader of Opposition demanded that the Government must Notify the Scrapyard Policy immediately and take stern action against all the illegal operators. There is absolutely no mechanism in place to monitor the transportation of Scrap Material in Goa. The Scrapyard Operators are handling highly inflammable, hazardous and poisonous waste which may cause a disaster.
The data furnished by me is based on the Reply given to my Legislative Assembly Question 1B answered today. The Reply clearly states that the information provided is based on the data submitted by both the Collectors, Director of Panchayat & Municipal Administration & Goa State Pollution Control Board, stated Yuri Alemao.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant assured the House that Government will act strictly against all the illegal Scrapyards in Goa. Waste Management Minister Antanasio Monserrate admitted that the Scrapyards are operating illegally. He assured that the Land in all the Talukas will be identified to relocate the Scrapyards.