OLD GOA
A decade back, a mere mention of the Bainguinim waste plant would generate much opposition to the same and local MLA Pandurang Madkaikar would be in the forefront leading the agitation.
Fast forward to the present and things have taken such a drastic turn that today, Madkaikar himself is supporting the project as he feels that the plant is the need of the hour, if garbage woes in the villages need to be addressed.
Asked if being part of the ruling BJP had anything to do with his change of heart, Madkaikar opined that it has nothing to do with his political affiliation, but with the scientific way of waste management.
"When land acquisition started in 2005-06, we opposed it and there was a genuine reason behind it because the Panaji municipality was already dumping waste at the site. Further, there was no project plan, no mention of technology, and there was apprehension in the mind of people that the land would be ultimately used for dumping garbage, like a landfill."
"Somehow, the municipality wanted to start the process just to dump waste. I had opposed the plant, despite being a minister in the then Congress government," said Madkaikar.
"It now appears that I am supporting the plant because I have changed party and I am part of the government. But, there is a genuine reason behind it. I have seen the Saligao plant, where the technology is advanced and here (Bainguinim), we will have even more advanced technology and with greater capacity of 250 tonnes. No problem of segregation, management of waste. It is like an industrial unit," Madkaikar informed.
"Sometimes when more garbage is sent to the Saligao plant, they can't treat it. Here, it won't be the case," he said, adding that there is lot of buffer zone available.
"Ten years back, garbage problem existed only in Panjim city, but it has now engulfed villages too. In villages like Corlim, Old Goa, Carambolim, etc., there is serious problem of garbage, due to which people also felt that they needed a waste plant," he said.
"When a plant comes up with latest technology to scientifically treat waste, everybody has to welcome it. That's why I am supporting it, not because of politics," he said.
He further informed that the plant would cater to the entire Tiswadi taluka.
Asked if he had received any representation citing opposition to the project, he replied in the negative. "Neither I nor panchayats in my constituency have received any opposition to the plant. Nothing from religious and educational institutions as well. Today, there is an example in Saligao plant and if anybody has opposition, they should outline the reasons," the Cumbharjua MLA added.
Madkaikar then informed that he is taking all panchayat members from his constituency to the Saligao plant next week, to apprise them of technological advances in waste management. "Recently, we had a meeting regarding waste management plan. The chief minister had sent representatives and some sarpanchas were present. There are plans to have collection centres for Old Goa and Corlim."
"There is also an issue of medical waste, as it does not come under wet or dry waste. For that, we are thinking of collecting it separately and we have suggested to make provision to either destroy it or treat it at Bainguinim plant," Madkaikar stated.
‘No opposition due to lack of leadership'
OLD GOA: Stating that opposition still persists to the proposed Bainguinim waste plant in Old Goa, a local, Glen Cabral, said people are, however, unwilling to come out openly in the absence of leadership. "Earlier, the local MLA and the panchayat supported the agitation, which gave it a boost. But now, there seems to be no support from both fronts, due to which there is silence," said Cabral. "However, some people are still sceptical about the plant and there are apprehensions whether it would be successful like the Saligao plant. What would happen if unforeseen problems occur like malfunction of the plant, strike of workers, etc." asked Cabral.
Cabral added that some locals have already decided to raise the issue at the Old Goa gram sabha. "But it depends on how many people turn up at the meet, to know the pulse of the opposition," he admitted.
