***************************************************************** Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ***************************************************************** --------------------------------------------------------- Mamlatdar forced to clear Colvale waste -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agitating citizens compel him to summon contractor and remove waste immediately. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Our Mapusa Bureau MAPUSA, May 2: The power of a united and determined citizenry came into sharp and pleasant focus yesterday when their efforts compelled Bardez Mamlatdar, Mr S Shetye to order a private contractor to remove the hazardous industrial waste that was being illegally dumped and burned at Colvale, Bardez. More than 100 jubilant citizens from Colvale and Maddel, Tivim, gathered at the open space off National Highway 17, near Carraswado, and watched a hapless contractor, Ahmed Rizwan, re-load the industrial waste into his truck. The waste included fibre glass strands, glass fibre strands used in pressure vessels, roving, certain types of clay, colour pellets, resin with and without pigment, pultrusion rods, fibre reinforced plastic pipes and other material. Citizens in the area had feared that the toxic fumes and chemical dust caused by the illegal dumping and burning of this hazardous industrial waste may adversely affect their health in the long run. Citizens present at the site said that the contractor was nervous at the sight of the large crowd, but proceeded with the waste removal after being assured that he would not be harmed. Among the crowd were children carrying banners that read, "we want to live", "Save Goa" and "Make the world a better place." While he has promised the citizens to clear the land of all waste and even to gather the ashes of the burnt material, the citizens have vowed to supervise and ensure that he fulfils his promises. Against the backdrop of illegal dumping of garbage elsewhere in Goa, the Colvale case sets a good precedent for citizens. But the victory did not come easy. Colvale residents, under the banner of the Colvale Jagrut Manch, filed complaints with police and other authorities. On their insistent prodding, the Colvale Panchayat and the Colvale Communidade also filed separate complaints with authorities. It is learnt that residents of Maddel, Tivim, led by panch member Mr Arjun Aroskar and Mr Douglas, also contributed to these efforts. Not happy with the slow pace of action from authorities, a delegation of Colvale Jagrut Manch met the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar on April 25 and handed him a memorandum seeking his intercession. The Bardez Mamlatdar's order was quick to follow. Following a report from Mapusa police, the Mamlatdar issued an order dated April 29, to "restrain the respondents from dumping the waste materials and hereby order to remove the waste materials and restore the land to its original position within 15 days". Mr Shetye's order named 9 respondents; Pentair Water India Private Limited (Verna), GKB Ophthalmics Limited, GKB Hitech Lenses Limited, Phil Corporation Private Limited, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Blossom Pharmaceuticals, all of Carraswaddo, Goa Glass Fibre Limited (Colvale), GKB Vision (Pilerne) and the contractor, Ahmed Rizwan from Carraswaddo. Though Rizwan has now cleared the Colvale land of the hazardous industrial waste, he has not specified at what location he is taking it. "I am taking it where it belongs," the contractor reportedly told the assembled citizens. Members of the Colvale Jagrut Manch said they would inspect the place after it is restored to its original condition. ------------------------------------------------------------- THE NAVHIND TIMES 3/5/02 Page 3 ------------------------------------------------------------- ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy ======================================= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
