CANACONA
Stating that huge uncovered and untreated garbage dumps exposed at the Garbage Treatment Plant (GTP) in Dumane-Canacona have led to the spread of leachate and contamination of water bodies in Agonda village, Agonda Sarpanch Badal Naikgaunkar has threatened to lead an agitation against the Canacona Municipal Council (CMC).
Contrary to recent claims by the CMC that garbage dumps had been covered at the Dumane GTP, a visit to the site revealed that several dumps are open and lying exposed inside the GTP.
Only two garbage dumps were found covered with tarpaulin, while the other dumps of unsegregated and untreated garbage have been left to decay in the open.
Rains falling on the exposed garbage have worsened the situation, facilitating the flow of leachate and other waste into nearby water bodies.
When contacted, Agonda Sarpanch Badal Naikgaunkar said the situation at the Dumane GTP was unbearable and unacceptable.
“Water bodies and paddy fields get contaminated every year due to leachate flowing from the Dumane GTP. Last year, the panchayat had written to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) seeking necessary action. But the same situation is repeated this year too,” said Naikgaunkar.
“People are already worried about the Covid pandemic and this is a further health hazard for them.”
“The CMC must stop the flow of leachate from their garbage plant into the water bodies and paddy fields in Agonda, failing which we will have no option but to start an agitation even to the extent of stopping municipal vehicles transporting garbage into the GTP. If there is still no action, Agondekars will lead an agitation to the CMC office,” warned Naikgaunkar.
