PANJIM: After failing to take measures to contain dust pollution, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has stationed ambient air quality monitoring vans at the sites where Smart City works are being undertaken in the State’s capital city ahead of the scheduled inspection of Smart City works by Judges of the High Court of Bombay at Goa at 5 pm on Monday, April 1.
It may be recalled that the High Court recently took cognisance of two public interest litigations (PILs) filed by Panjim residents to address concerns regarding dust pollution affecting public health and other inconveniences caused by the ongoing work in the city.
The GSPCB has stationed two permanent real-time ambient air quality monitoring vans in the city to collect data and monitor the air quality standards within the vicinity where the works are being undertaken. The vehicles have been stationed at two sites in the city - one near Caculo Mall at St Inez and the other near Vivanta by Taj. These were stationed in the city on Thursday, March 29, and are likely to remain stationed in the city till April 1.
Speaking to mediapersons, Vivek Malge, in-charge of GSPCB’s air ambient quality monitoring stations, said, “At these stations we will collect data of air quality. A report will be prepared and the same will be submitted to Goa State Pollution Control Board. We have been continuously monitoring the air quality for the last four days.”
During their visit, the Judges will find out whether the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has fulfilled its assurance.
While hearing two public interest litigation (PIL) writ petitions on March 27, the division bench comprising Justices Mahesh Sonak and Valmiki SA Menezes, stated, “We propose to hear the matter in further detail on 02.04.2024. Before that, we have scheduled a site visit on 01.04.2024 at 5 pm, so that we are in a position to understand the issue better.”
Meanwhile, the contractors have deployed more water sprinkling tankers in the areas where road digging is underway to reduce the dust caused by the activity.