The Goa High Court has issued a clear directive to the state's pollution control board. The court wants continuous monitoring of pollution levels at the Porvorim elevated corridor construction site. This order came during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) focused on road safety and environmental health along the project route.
Advocate Raises Alarm Over Deteriorating Air Quality
Advocate Moses Pinto, who filed the PIL, presented his concerns to the court on Thursday. He argued that the air quality index (AQI) in the area is getting worse. This decline poses a direct threat to the health and lives of local residents. Pinto pointed to specific problems caused by the massive construction project.
Dust and Smog Create Hazardous Conditions
The project is generating enormous amounts of dust, according to the petitioner. This dust contributes to smog formation, which severely reduces visibility for drivers on the road. Poor visibility impairs a motorist's judgment and increases the risk of accidents, creating a clear road safety hazard.
Pinto strengthened his case by referencing an official inspection report. The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) conducted this inspection on October 25, 2024. Their report noted that the contractor failed to comply with crucial measures designed to control dust pollution at the site.
Government's Response and Court's Final Direction
In response to these allegations, the government presented its progress to the court. Officials stated that resurfacing work had been completed on approximately 90% of the project's length. They also confirmed that water sprinkling activities were being carried out to suppress dust.
The state further submitted that installing permanent AQI monitoring systems was not part of the contractor's assigned scope of work. Following this, advocate Pinto requested the court to direct the GSPCB to specifically monitor dust pollution levels.
The High Court considered all arguments. It then asked the pollution control board to look into the issue thoroughly. The court's instruction mandates the GSPCB to continue its oversight and monitoring role at the Porvorim elevated corridor site.
