-- Samir Umarye BICHOLIM, OCT 30 - In a major decision, Bicholim Deputy Collector Arvind Bugde has directed all stone-crushing units at Saleli-Valpoi to stop activities till they comply with pollution control measures.
Out of action for nearly two years, the controversial stone-crushing units at Saleli-Sattari were allowed to resume temporary operations on October 24, following directives from the High Court, as officials were sent to examine the pollution levels of these units. It may be recalled that the 13 crushing units were shut down on December 25, 2005, following protests from villagers, who claimed that the units were causing dust pollution. A local businessman, Pritviraj Krishnarao Rane, was murdered the next day, sparking off tension in the village. A number of policemen, including senior police officials, were injured in the ensuing clashes with the protestors. Following a complaint lodged by aggrieved residents on October 11, 2005, the Bicholim Deputy Collector recorded the statements of the villagers, 11 Government officials and the 13 unit owners. In his order, Deputy Collector Bugde held the stone-crushing units responsible for pollution and asked the owners to stop the activities. "The units should stop activities until such time they take precautionary measures to suppress noise and dust pollution to the satisfaction of the Goa State Pollution Control Board," the order stated. The owners have also been asked to submit fresh environment impact assessment plans containing short-term and long-term precautionary measures approved by the GSPCB.
