BICHOLIM
Officials of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on Tuesday inspected the garbage treatment plant at Harvalem, following a complaint by villagers that foul smell was emanating from the garbage dumped in the plant.
GSPCB officials, Luisa D’Souza and Vijay Kasekar, were accompanied by Sakhali MLA Dr Pramod Sawant. Harvalem sarpanch Priya Thakur and other members and villagers were also present.
During the visit, the officials learnt that the machinery at the treatment plant was out of order since last six months, due to which piles of garbage have been stagnated, thus emitting a foul smell.
After inspecting the site, Luisa D’Souza expressed displeasure over the situation, and said that Sakhali Municipal Council (SMC) should look into the matter and take immediate action to remove the garbage.
MLA Sawant said he will file a complaint with the National Green Tribunal if SMC does not look into the issue seriously. “Merely installing a board is not enough. It is necessary to take proper care of the area,” he said.
Harvalem sarpanch Priya Thakur expressed fear that if the Council does not act immediately, there is a possibility of an epidemic.
When contacted, SMC chairperson Dharmesh Saglani said the contract of the garbage treatment plant was awarded to a private contractor, who was entrusted with its management.
“However, when we came to know about the foul odour, Sakhali Municipal Council authorities had sealed the area with a lock to prevent the foul smell from spreading. But the issue aggravated when some people broke open the lock and set fire to the garbage, thus inconveniencing the locals,” explained Saglani.
Meanwhile, Dr Sawant alleged that the lock was broken and waste set ablaze by SMC authorities. However, Saglani rejected the allegation.
