the goan I network
MARGAO
Elected representatives of Nuvem constituency, who are opposed to the setting up of a waste treatment plant at the Verna Industrial Estate, on Tuesday called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with a plea to scrap the proposed project from coming up at the location.
Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa led the local representatives to the Chief Minister and handed over a memorandum in the presence of Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo, Managing Director of Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) Levinson Martins and others.
The Nuvem MLA told The Goan after the meeting with the Chief Minister that the delegation received positive signals from the government that the Verna plateau will not be the site for the proposed waste treatment plant.
“The Chief Minister gave the delegation a patient hearing and was convinced that that the objections lodged by the elected representatives and citizens were genuine,” the Nuvem MLA said while exuding confidence that the government will do justice to the people.
In the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, the villagers pointed out that the land identified for setting up of the plant is situated on a hilly plateau, being an eco-sensitive zone with a water catchment area, replenishing the perennial fresh-water springs in the area.
‘These spring have medicinal values and are regularly visited by villagers and tourists even in the lean season. Similarly, there are other freshwater wells and springs in close vicinity of Loutolim as well as on the Verna side of the proposed site. The nature of the hilly terrain being rocky and porous, residue of the huge amounts of waste brought in to be treated every day from Mormugao and Salcete talukas will percolate into the ground and contaminate the freshwater springs as well as the water table of Loutolim and Verna villages,” the memorandum stated.
It stated further that Loutolim, Verna and the neighbouring villages already have a system in place wherein the dry waste generated is collected and disposed of by individual panchayats. “The wet waste generated and segregated at sources is treated hygienically under the supervision of the panchayats. There is absolutely no requirement for such a plant to be set up in the first place and certainly Loutolim shall not be allowed to be a dumping ground for waste generated from other villages,” the memorandum said, adding that the government has failed to take the villagers into confidence while deciding to set up the proposed plant.
