PANAJI
The non-functional bio-methanation plant at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) market in Margao was the subject of intense discussion and debate in the House during question hour on Friday with Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira assuring action depending on the findings of the Goa State Pollution Control Board.
The issue was raised by the Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai who sought action against the operator for letting out the slurry in open fields and polluting the area on the principle of ‘polluter pays’.
Sequeira however said, the GSPCB will have to do soil testing to establish the pollution and action can be taken only on the findings of the GSPCB investigation.
Sardesai also demanded a categorical assurance from the minister that the other two plants will not be permitted to operate based on the failure of the present one.
Sardesai said, the plant does not accept fish waste and therefore the very purpose for which it was installed is defeated. He said, the government should not permit two more such plants which were proposed to be set up in Margao when the first one was established.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant meanwhile said that Margao will have to take care of its own solid waste and the temporary arrangement of sending 20 tons of wet waste to the new plant at Cacora cannot be a permanent solution.
He said the plant which will be set up at Sonsodo will be managed by the Goa State Solid Waste Management Corporation as the Margao Municipal Council does not have the wherewithal to shoulder the responsibility.
