Panaji: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has initiated steps to regulate the 105 waste collectors registered with it. In Dec last year, the Board decided to inspect these units and review the permissions and registrations issued to them. Inspections of all 105 units have since been completed.The exercise revealed that 56 units collecting waste from industries and commercial establishments were not complying with the Board’s guidelines and did not possess a fire NOC. Another 29 units engaged in waste collection for local bodies were also found to be non-compliant.
Further, 12 units were operating without valid registration, while six scrapyards were currently non-functional. GSPCB has issued notices directing the units to comply with guidelines and complete the required registration formalities.Concerns have grown over the years about the rise of scrapyards across the state, with several allegedly operating illegally along highways and filling low-lying areas to set up facilities. Recent accidents at such unregulated sites have intensified these worries.A major fire in Sancoale last year raised alarm after multiple scrapyards were found operating illegally in close proximity, allowing the blaze to spread rapidly.In a recent meeting, the Board noted that it began registering waste collectors following a high court directive mandating the registration of those working for local bodies such as panchayats. GSPCB stated that it extended registration to industrial and commercial waste collectors beyond the court’s direction and has now decided to deregister all units except those serving local bodies.
