PANAJI: The Goa government has made it mandatory for hazardous waste-generating industries to execute a bi-partite agreement with Ponda Envocare Limited for the scientific disposal of waste at the Common Hazardous Waste Disposal Plant at Pissurlem. No industry will be allowed to send its waste outside the state, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced today.
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will monitor the disposal process, and stern action will be taken against industries caught dumping hazardous waste in public places or water bodies, the CM warned.
“It is the need of the hour. If we want a clean and green Goa, such facilities are essential. Otherwise, it is not possible,” Sawant said, inaugurating the state-of-the-art treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
The Rs 125-crore facility, developed by SMC Group under a Public-Private Partnership with a projected lifespan of 100 years, will handle solid, chemical, and other hazardous industrial waste. The project also involves the Goa Solid Waste Management Corporation, the Industries Department, and Ponda Envocare.
Sawant said Goa’s Waste Management Corporation is now recognised as a knowledge partner by the Union Ministry of Urban Development. “We treat waste methodically and scientifically. Solid waste, biomedical waste, sewage, ETPs, and hazardous chemical waste will all be managed responsibly,” he said.
The CM criticised industries that avoid disposal costs by dumping waste illegally in villages, drains, or water bodies. “This damages Goa’s environment. The industry must take responsibility along with the government,” he stressed.
The plant uses scientific landfill and incineration methods and is described by the Chief Minister as a “waste to wealth” facility. “Our environment is our most precious wealth. Industries in Goa must decide how to minimise and responsibly handle hazardous waste. With the facilities available here, future capacity will also allow waste from other states or even abroad to be treated,” he added.
