storing hazardous waste

PANAJI: After Goa industrial development corporation (GIDC) failed to direct Axis Ltd to dispose off 25,000 tonnes of accumulated hazardous waste at Cuncolim industrial estate, the Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB) on Friday inspected the site and called for a hearing on Monday to know as to how the company plans to dispose off the waste.

The waste has been stored in a plot by Sunrise Zinc Ltd since 2007, which is now owned by Axis Ltd. TOI had reported in its edition on November 6, in the column 'Panchanama', of troubles faced by residents of Akamoll ward in Ambaulim village because of pollution caused by the industrial estate.

Speaking to TOI, GSPCB chairman Jose Manuel Noronha said, "We have called Axis Ltd on Monday for a hearing to know the plan for evacuation of hazardous waste from their plot."

The GSPCB chairman, member secretary Levinson Martins, an official of GSIDC and a representative of the company were present during the inspection. The board also conducted an inspection at the captive site allotted to the company for disposal of hazardous waste. GSIDC has allotted 10,000 sq m to the company for disposing its hazardous waste, Noronha said. But, the company's representative denied that they were aware of the allotment of a landfill site for disposal of hazardous waste.

"During the inspection, the company representative also denied that they have received any communication from GSIDC for disposal of hazardous waste," Noronha said, adding that GSPCB has directed GSIDC to hand over a copy of the notice.