the goan I network
PANAJI
In a temporary solution to tackle the growing garbage menace in Margao, the High Powered Coordination Committee headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday decided to set up three bio-methane plants around Margao-Fatorda till the solid waste treatment plant takes shape at Sonsodo.
Minister Science and Technology and Waste Management, Michael Lobo who was present at the meeting told reporters that the plants would be set up within one-and-half month and that a technician would be sent to Varanasi and Delhi to examine the working of such plants.
Urban Development Minister Milind Naik, Opposition leader Digambar Kamat, MLAs Vijay Sardesai and Aleixio Lourenco and Margao Municipal Council chairperson Dr Babita Angle Prabhudesai were present at the meeting.
Stating that Margao municipality will bear the cost of setting up two plants, Lobo said the third plant will be funded by Goa Solid Waste Management Corporation (GSWMC).
Reiterating that the garbage issue in Margao and Fatorda was serious, the minister said, people are practically burning dry waste at many places. “We (Goa Solid Waste Management Corporation) will guide and assist Margao municipality to manage its waste”, he said.
Lobo also stressed that police and enforcement agencies should see that the system of door-to-door garbage collection is improved and people who are throwing garbage in open spaces be penalised. On the Sonsodo issue, Lobo said GSWMC will tackle garbage at the site. “Remediation of garbage at Sonsodo will be done on the lines of how remediation of garbage was done at Calangute”, informed Lobo.
Urging that politics be kept aside, Lobo said Sonsodo is a long-pending issue and we need support of all stakeholders. He said garbage would be shifted daily from Sonsodo and that 50 trucks would be used.
He thanked Fomento for rendering its service and said discussions will be held on settling the pending dues of
the company.
