PANAJI: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on a village
panchayat in the state for burning garbage in open.
The board has taken such an action for the first time, said an official.
The village panchayat of St Cruz, on the outskirts of Panaji, was fined after a local social worker complained about the practise of burning garbage in open and the board carried out an inspection.
The board last week instructed the North Goa Collector to recover the fine amount.
GSPCB had sought a clarification from the panchayat. The panchayat failed to file its reply.
The National Green Tribunal, in an order, has prohibited burning of waste in open space.