The Times of India 08.12.2009
CCMC gets tough with mining firm
MARGAO: Mineral ore loading and unloading operations at the jetty owned by the G N Agarwal firm at Baagwada, Shirfod, Curchorem, is again in the eye of a storm, following a show-cause notice slapped by the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) for carrying out commercial activities at the jetty without their obtaining the mandatory trade licence from the civic body.
The notice issued by CCMC chief officer Sudin Natu last week, directs the mining transportation firm to show cause why its "illegal" operations should not be stopped for not possessing the trade licence. G N Agarwal is required to reply to the notice within two weeks.
It may be noted that CCMC had in March this year issued a stop-work order to G N Agarwal directing it to discontinue construction activities at its jetty, for failing to obtain relevant approvals from the concerned government agencies. Earlier in 2008, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) had rejected the application for consent to operate the jetty following complaints of dust and noise pollution from the locals. In October 2009, G N Agarwal had applied to the CCMC for a trade license, however, the application was rejected as it had not obtained the mandatory NOCs from the health department as well as the fire and emergency services.
CCMC councilor Abhay Khandekar, during whose tenure as chairperson the stop work order had been issued by the civic body, said that the operations at the jetty were taking a toll on the health of the residents and demanded an immediate ban on the activities. While officials of the jetty could not be contacted, despite repeated attempts, those at the site refused to comment.
Speaking to TOI, Khandekar said he would undertake a hunger strike if the CCMC fails to act against the jetty. "I will sit on an indefinite hunger strike in front of the CCMC building to press for action against the jetty," Khandekar said.
