GWMC starts phased transport of 50,000 MT toxic stockpile to Pissurlem; Yuri calls waste removal emotional moment, vows fight against fish meal pollution
The process of transportation of the hazardous waste from the Cuncolim Industrial Estate finally started on Saturday as Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and local residents termed the action as a historic and emotional moment.
MARGAO
In an unprecedented exercise undertaken by the government in recent times, the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) has started the work of transportation and scientific disposal of the 50,000 MT tonnes of hazardous waste left behind at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate by Ms Sunrise Zinc to the common hazardous waste management facility at Pissurlem.
Terming the project to cart away the hazardous waste as an emotional and historic moment, Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said that removing hazardous waste from Cuncolim is not the ultimate success, but there is need to fight against pollution from fish meals and he will not allow any new such plants.
Speaking after Goa Waste Management Corporation began its drive to lift the hazardous waste from Cuncolim, Yuri said the fight against fish meal pollution will continue.
“Finally, we, the people of Cuncolim, have compelled the government to take action on the hazardous waste lying in the Cuncolim Industrial Estate. After persistent demands and continuous follow-ups, the government has begun removing 50,000 MT of hazardous waste from the estate,” Alemao said.
He said that this waste, which had been causing severe pollution in our area, is now being lifted in a phased manner. The operation will be carried out in two stages, before the monsoon and after the monsoon.
“I am deeply grateful to all those who stood with me in this fight against pollution. This is not the end of our struggle, we will continue to raise our voices against fish meal units and other sources of pollution affecting our community. Ultimately, this is about protecting people’s health and lives,” he said.
He added; “Nobody was taking responsibility of this waste. I raised this issue in Assembly session and tried to transport it. This was very harmful. People have suffered health issues due to the pollution caused by this waste,” Alemao said.
“This is an emotional moment as people suffered due to this pollution. This was the black spot. Pollution industries are curse to Cuncolim. This is the first step to clean up this estate. I assure that no new fish meal will come in Cuncolim. This industrial estate is not benefitting people of Cuncolim. We will never allow fish meals in Cuncolim,” he said.
Among locals, Aviraj Desai, former councillor Mariano Soares and Ankush Desai praised MLA Yuri Alemao for his efforts to clear this site.
Legacy waste to be scientifically disposed
MARGAO: Goa Waste Management Corporation Managing Director, Harish Adconkar has said the Corporation has set in motion the process towards the scientific disposal of orphaned hazardous legacy waste of M/s Sunrise Zinc site, Cuncolim IDC to the common hazardous waste treatment storage disposal facility, Pissurlem.
He said that Goa State Pollution Control Board and NEERI had confirmed the hazardous nature of the waste, approximately 50,000 MT, lying at the Cuncolim IDC.
Saying the Government of Goa has taken up the project as a priority environmental remediation measure, the GWMC MD said the work will be executed through Goa Waste Management Corporation by M/s Ponda Envocare Ltd, operator of the Common Hazardous Waste Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility (CHWTSDF), Pissurlem.
“Disposal will be carried out at the Common Hazardous Waste Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility (CHWTSDF), Pissurlem, the designated facility in the State,” he added.
Pointing out that the total estimated cost of the project is Rs 14.98 crore, he said the cost includes, excavation and loading; transportation (70 km one way); scientific treatment and secured disposal.
Work on the unprecedented exercise, he said, has commenced on Saturday, adding that the contractor would initially deploy 13 trucks for transportation, one poclain machine for loading. The deployment will be scaled up to at least 25 trucks to accelerate operations.
On monsoon preparedness, he said the operation is being planned in view of the approaching monsoon, saying that maximum possible waste will be transported, while the remaining waste will be securely covered to prevent environmental contamination, before the onset of monsoons.
Post-monsoon, the disposal operations will resume and continue till completion.
