the goan I network
PANAJI
Stakeholders in the waste management sector while raising concern over the increasing viability gap in waste management batted for decentralised waste management at the smallest level possible coupled with good recycling facilities at the State level.
Expressing their views at a workshop organised in the capital city by The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) on Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility in Goa, on Friday, several waste management experts pointed out that local level recycling and garbage processing facilities was the most ideal way forward to tackle Goa’s garbage problem.
CCP Commissioner Sanjith Rodrigues said, that the decentralised mode of waste treatment is an easier mode.
“In Panaji we have tried it successfully. Some of the hotels successfully compost their waste in their own premises itself,” he said, adding that small projects reduce transportation costs and improve financial viability. He said investing more on educating people, specially children about garbage segregation and management issues gives good results.
Rajesh Pahwa of 21st Century Polymers said, “Goa needs a platform where plastic, alluminium, glass and such non-biodegradable waste can be recycled in a scientific waPresently, this facility is not there in Goa and the transportation cost increases to send it to facilities in other States,” he added.
Amit Saha of Pro India Recycling said that segregated waste has value and non-energy value can be also tapped by recycling. Recycling also helps in reducing new addition of plastic products in the market, he said.
Clinton Vaz said there are around 1000 odd rag pickers in the state working illegally but there is not a system to bring them under legal system.
Meanwhile, Roland Martins of GOCAN said that Consumer rights is not only restricted only for quality of product but consumer should also have right to choose the type of packing of the products.
To reduce the quantum of plastic waste the laws should framed accordingly to put restrictions on Packaging industry and also to supermarkets, he emphasised.
