OLD GOA
The Neura locals have resolved to oppose the proposed setting up of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in a residential locality which they alleged was done without consulting the locals.
The resolution was adopted at the gram sabha on Sunday with the locals proposing the area behind the panchayat ghar for setting up of MRF.
Speaking at the gram sabha, a local Viresh Borkar said that setting up of MRF in their locality at Igrejwado was an unilateral decision by the panchayat.
“The villagers were not taken into confidence on the location for the MRF. We are opposed to the same and will not allow it at any cost,” Borkar stated.
Another local Mandar Naik questioned why the villagers were not informed by the panchayat over the setting up of MRF, which is very close to residential homes.
The locals also cited the example of MRF in Chimbel which has primarily turned into a dumping site and opined that a similar situation will prevail at Igrejwado if the MRF is allowed to be set up there.
“Further, the MRF is located on a hilly slope, which is a bad idea and bound to create problems to the locals during rains,” another resident Tahir Noronha informed and opined that the location behind the panchayat ghar is suitable for the same.
Later, a resolution was adopted to reject the plan to setup MRF at Igrejwado and that the same be setup behind the panchayat.
Meanwhile, Goa Waste Management Corporation’s official Siddhant Dessai tried his best to convince the locals that all norms will be followed while setting up the MRF so that locals are not inconvenienced.
On the villagers citing Chimbel as an example, Dessai informed that what has been done there is not MRF as wet waste is also handled there, which should not be the case.
“The Chimbel panchayat has been directed to setup a proper MRF,” Dessai informed.
