Cong mounts fresh challenge to Saligao waste plant ‘expansion’

BUILDING OPPOSITION: Calangute Congress Block President Lourenco Silveira in discussion with Candolim Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes on Monday over the proposed expansion of the Saligao waste treatment plant.

MAPUSA

Stepping up its opposition to the proposed expansion of the Saligao solid waste treatment plant, senior Congress leaders on Monday joined hands with the Calangute Congress Block to demand that no additional land be handed over to the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC).

The leaders urged the coastal panchayats of Candolim and Calangute to stand by villagers and reject any proposal for land acquisition linked to the plant’s expansion.

“The GWMC is seeking land from the Saligao comunidade under the pretext of creating a buffer zone, but they have not disclosed how much land is required. There is no clarity, and we strongly suspect this is a backdoor attempt at expansion. We completely condemn this move,” said GPYC Vice President Vivek D’Silva.

Congress leaders also alleged that garbage from Mormugao, Ponda and other talukas is being diverted to Saligao, in violation of the original purpose of the project.

A memorandum opposing the “buffer zone” proposal was submitted to the Sarpanchas of Candolim and Calangute.

In it, Congress highlighted the suffering of residents who have endured the “unbearable stench, pollution, sewage tanker discharge, illegal debris dumping and serious health hazards” since the plant became operational.

“The wells in these villages are polluted, the ground and air quality has deteriorated, and the authorities have completely failed to act,” D’Silva added.

Calangute Block Congress President Lourenco Silveira accused the government of turning Saligao into “Goa’s garbage dump” and vowed that the party would not allow any further expansion.

Candolim Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes backed the villagers’ stand, pointing out that the plant – originally meant to process 100 tonnes per day (TPD) for the coastal belt – has now grown to 250 TPD and is handling waste from across Goa.

“At night, you can’t even stand near Candolim church because of the stench from the plant. I have raised complaints with the chief minister and the local MLA, but urgent corrective action is still awaited,” Fernandes said.