PANJIM: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has asked the 90-odd hoteliers in the city to manage bio-degradable waste on their own, angering them.
In an order issued on 30/04/2019, citing the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 notified by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, CCP Commissioner Shahank Mani Tripathi, IAS, said, “The rules mandate that every waste generator shall segregate and store solid waste generated at the source of generation.”
The CCP Commissioner, further states that under the said rules, all the bulk waste generators are mandated to treat and process biodegradable waste within their own premises.
An order to one top hotelier says, “Whereas your establishment has been considered to be bulk waste generator generating more than 100 kg of solid waste per day (wet and dry). The bio-degradable waste generated from the said premises is being handed over to the Corporation of the City of Panaji which is in violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016.”
Hence, it says, “Pursuant to the above said rules, you are hereby requested to set up a processing unit (composting/ bio-methanisation) within your premises at your own cost, for treating bio-degradable waste generated from the establishment within a period of 15 days from the date of receipt of this notice, failing which the Corporation of the City of Panaji would not collect any bio-degradable waste generated from your premises.”
The hoteliers told Herald that 90-odd hotels would be affected by the order.
“We (each one of them) pay more than Rs one and half lakh every year as garbage tax. Where does this go? And why should we pay if they are not going to collect the waste?” they asked.
The hoteliers have threatened to move the court if the CCP does not withdraw the order.
“Tomorrow they will tell us, generate your own electricity and bring your own water. If that is so, why should we pay taxes?” they asked.
