Goa puts cap on new scrap melting units

Ordering closure of three units, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has decided to put ceiling on permissions to sponge iron and scrap melting units in the state.

In a landmark decision, GSPCB has ordered closure the of three industrial units at Cuncolim industrial estate in south Goa, 43 kms away from here.

"Three units Nicomet Industries, Sunrise Zinc, and Karthik Alloys"" in Cuncolim industrial estate has been asked to close down as the board has found several irregularities including pollution," said L U Joshi,chairman,GSPCB.

South Goa's Cuncolim locals were up in arms against the units alleging water and air pollution in their village. The villagers had even initiated agitation against the units.

Officials said all three units were closed for different reasons. While Nicomet was closed for not adhering to standard norms, Karthik alloys did not possess valid consent of the board and Sunrise Zinc was found dumping hazardous waste outside its premises without taking any proper measure.

"The board has decided that no more sponge iron units and scrap melting units will be permitted in the state," said Joshi.

The board members noticed that there was 15,000 tonne of waste in the industrial estate that can cause leakage and damage to nearby fields, he said.