MARGAO: In response to longstanding grievances from locals, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has intervened, instructing the government to establish a Joint Committee to investigate pollution emanating from a factory in Sao Jose De Areal.
Over the span of a year, from January 2023 to January 2024, there were 221 reported instances of pollution linked to particle emissions from Goa Carbon Ltd.
The NGT has mandated the Committee to conduct on-site inspections, with representation from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), the Chief Secretary (CS), and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFF&CC).
This scrutiny coincides with a notable surge in
the company’s stock
performance over the past three months.
“We find it appropriate to form a Joint Committee comprising representatives from GSPCB, CS, and MoEF&CC. Upon visiting the site, the Joint Committee will assess whether Goa Carbon Ltd has obtained all necessary consents for its operations and if they have adhered to the stipulated conditions,” states the directive issued by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Vijay Kulkarni, contained within a four-page order.
In the event of any non-compliance, the report will recommend imposing Environmental Damage Compensation (EDC) and corrective actions.
This report must be submitted to the Bench within one month.
Prompted by hazardous emissions reaching alarming levels, the Scheduled Tribe Association of Sao Jose De Areal, the Social Justice Forum of Sao Jose De Areal, and the Ralloi Residents Welfare Association of Sao Jose De Aareal sought urgent relief from the NGT.
In their plea, they highlighted four decades of exposure to toxic emissions in the landlocked village, home to approximately 3000 families. “Goa Carbon Ltd has been operating a calcination plant in our village since 1980, emitting toxic fumes that pose health risks to residents,” the petition states.
During the period from January 2023 to January 2024, the company’s emissions exceeded 150 mg/Nm3, presenting significant environmental and health hazards to nearby communities.
The petitioners have requested the GSPCB to either permanently close or relocate the unit and to refrain from renewing or granting further operating consents. The NGT has issued notices to all respondents, requiring responses due this month.