VASCO
Bogmalo Chicolna Panchayat on Saturday became the first in Goa to use solar power for waste management works after the solar panel roof of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) was launched by Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho in the presence of ZP Anita Thorat, Sarpanch Lorena Da Cunha and other panchas on the occasion of Goa Revolution Day.
Speaking to the media after the inauguration, Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho said that the initiative of solar panels for MRF would be replicated across panchayats in Goa.
"I want to congratulate the Bogmalo Chicolna panchayat for this step and for using solar power for lighting and to run their machinery at the material recovery facility. This pattern will be replicated for all the other panchayats in Goa for their material recovery facility because we can save power and earn money by giving back excess power to the grid, thereby bringing down the load."
The Panchayats Minister also revealed that the Bogmalo Chicolna Panchayat has launched another scheme of free distribution of organic manure.
"Besides being the first to use solar energy for its MRF, Bogmalo panchayat has introduced another scheme of free distribution of organic manure that is produced. This manure will be given to all the houses in small packets to help the fruit-bearing trees in the area and make the area clean and green," said Godinho.
"Everyone wants to get rid of their garbage, but they don't want MRF sites anywhere in their vicinity, and this is not correct. All the panchayats are trying to select neutral sites, but we can't get such sites at all panchayats, and people must think on these grounds and not oppose waste management works or MRF projects," he added.
"I have spoken to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that we can coordinate with other departments to draw a plan so that we can end the garbage menace in the entire State and be on a mission mode to tackle the waste peril. We will also introduce new initiatives and schemes at the behest of the government that will be implemented within six months or after the new body takes charge of the panchayats in Goa," said Godinho.
