PANAJI: The High Court has directed the immediate suspension of operations at an asphalt hot mix plant in Petkem, Dharbandora, pending further orders, following a PIL challenging the legality of the facility.
The petitioners have raised serious concerns over the plant’s proximity to residential houses, schools, religious institutions and highways, alleging violations of environmental distance norms and risks to public health.
The 120-tonne-per-hour facility is reportedly located just 25 to 30 metres from residential houses in Petkem, where members of the Dhangar community reside. The petition also points out that Dayanand Nagar High School and Goa Multi-Faculty College are approximately 300 metres away, while a primary school and Dattatraya Temple are within 400 metres.
Residents have allegedly complained of breathing difficulties, asthma and other respiratory problems, attributing them to dust, fly ash, black smoke and chemical emissions from the plant. Concerns have also been raised about possible contamination of plantations and a nearby open well used for drinking water.
The PIL further questions the legality of the land use, claiming that the project occupies land not earmarked for industrial activity under the Regional Plan 2021. One of the survey numbers has also been identified as unclassed forest land falling under the Eco-I Protected/Reserve Forest category.
The petitioners have also challenged the permissions granted to the facility, alleging the absence of mandatory clearances and licences from the concerned authorities.
The High Court has issued notices to the State government, Goa State Pollution Control Board, TCP Department, Forest Department, Dharbandora Village Panchayat and the project proponents, seeking their responses.
The plant will remain shut until further orders, with the matter scheduled for the next hearing on November 30.
