I filed a complaint with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on 23.05.08 against grave and serious violations of environmental norms and perpetuation of environmental pollution by Zuari industries Ltd.
Attached to the complaint were the following documents obtained from the GSPCB, under the RTI Act 2005.
Water consent order
Attached to the complaint were the following documents obtained from the GSPCB, under the RTI Act 2005.
Water consent order
Air consent order
ZIL application for consent dated 29.11.06,
Certificate of utilisation dt 5.7.07.
GSPCB letter no 1821 dated 12.07.08
GSPCB letter no 2379 dated 20.08.07,
(click on the link to view the documents)
From the documents it is clear the GSPCB was aware that effluent was clandestinely being discharged into the sea but did nothing, but write letters to ZIL. No action whatsoever was initiated to stop the pollution. The choice of GSPCB in not initiating action is in blatant violation of the systems and procedures, and raises doubt about the integrity of the officers and department, and whether such inaction is on account of inadequate knowledge, corrupt practices, or whether they were compelled by extraneous pressures.
From the documents it is clear the GSPCB was aware that effluent was clandestinely being discharged into the sea but did nothing, but write letters to ZIL. No action whatsoever was initiated to stop the pollution. The choice of GSPCB in not initiating action is in blatant violation of the systems and procedures, and raises doubt about the integrity of the officers and department, and whether such inaction is on account of inadequate knowledge, corrupt practices, or whether they were compelled by extraneous pressures.
My complaint dated 23.05.08 was not taken seriously and the department did not show any commitment in responding to my complaint as soon as possible. The reply of ZIL date 31.07.08 along with the following Exhibits which were handed to me after 2 months.
Exhibit A-Letter from Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
Exhibit B-Letter to Moef dt 21.2.08 for revamp of plant
Exhibit C- Visit of Technical committee of GSPCB
Exhibit D-Writ petition no 450/98
Exhibit E-Air Emissions
Exhibit F- (not attached as voluminous)
Exhibit G- Raw materials
Exhibit H-Environmental Statement 2007-08
Exhibit I- Correspondence
(Click on link to view the letter and exhibits)
Exhibit B-Letter to Moef dt 21.2.08 for revamp of plant
Exhibit C- Visit of Technical committee of GSPCB
Exhibit D-Writ petition no 450/98
Exhibit E-Air Emissions
Exhibit F- (not attached as voluminous)
Exhibit G- Raw materials
Exhibit H-Environmental Statement 2007-08
Exhibit I- Correspondence
(Click on link to view the letter and exhibits)
I sent a legal notice on 18.08.08 for non- action on the part of the GSPCB. In response the GSPCB sent me a letter stating that an inspection of ZIL is being held on 8.09.08, and requested me to be present. On 8.9.08 when I reported at ZIL along with others members of the inspection team. The General Manager (Mftg) of ZIL Mr Kantak, was nervous and angry, the body langauge showed that something was amiss, and after consultation with somebody (maybe his boss), refused to allow me in. It was a very insulting experience. It was obvious that something was wrong and they had no time to cover up. The GSPCB later explained to me that there is no provision under the environmental laws, that allow a complaintant to inspect the factory. No explanation was forthcoming as to why they invited me, in the first place.
The inspection team then carried out the inspection in my absence. The company has been claiming that it is a ZERO EFFLUENT plant but the documents on record and the inspection report dated 16.10.08 , suggest otherwise.
I request viewers to kindly go through Zuari’s reply dated 31.07.08 and suggest a reply/points for reply, to GSPCB, as certain technical issues are involved, to enable me to pursue the matter further.
I also request viewers to kindly go through the documents and advise me on the action I can take (including criminal prosecution/ additional information to be sought / other authorities that I can forward my complaint for immediate redressal.
As public governance is weak we have companies flouting all rules and regulations. The General environment is such, there is no fear of punishment for violations of the rules and regulations. This is the case of ZIL.
The GSPCB officials are as guilty as the company officials as they allow the pollution to continue till date. Based on the documents attached I would be also grateful if anyone initiates action, in this regard, on their own.
Pratap Mardolkar
The GSPCB officials are as guilty as the company officials as they allow the pollution to continue till date. Based on the documents attached I would be also grateful if anyone initiates action, in this regard, on their own.
Pratap Mardolkar
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