Panaji, Apr 25 (TOI): National green tribunal (NGT) directed Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB) to monitor activities of illegal slaughter of animals and discharge of effluents by persons illegally involved in it and prosecute those guilty of violations.

Animal rescue squad, a Bicholim-based NGO, had filed a complaint before NGT regarding illegalities relating to the slaughter of animals in Goa.

After hearing the counsel for the parties, a tribunal bench comprising judicial member Justice V R Kingaonkar and expert member Ajay A Deshpande allowed GSPCB and director of food and drugs administration four weeks to file a necessary affidavit in reply.

While directing ad-interim measures, the bench directed the board to issue necessary directions, especially under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, to prevent water pollution due to illegal slaughter.

Further, the tribunal also directed government agencies to initiate steps under the law, especially corrective measures, to curb illegal slaughter at places without permission by the slaughter house.

The authorities have been directed to issue prohibitory orders to curb public nuisance under Section 133 of the Criminal Procedure Code and take cognizance of violations which come to light.

The matter has been posted again to July 9.

FDA had acted against a few cases of illegal slaughter during the last few months, while the activity of slaughtering animals at the abattoir of Goa meat complex at Usgao had come to a standstill.

The activity of slaughtering animals has come under the scanner due to new requirements under the rules for hygienic slaughter. FDA has allowed traders three months relaxation to set up the requisite infrastructure.