Team Herald
SALIGAO: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday that two years from now, Goa would be the only State to treat all types of waste.
Sawant made the announcement during his first visit as chief minister to the Goa Solid Waste Management Plant at Saligao. He was accompanied by Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza.
The duo took stock of the situation and reviewed the progress of the plant.
“We have been successful in treating the mixed waste that comes in. The plant is working nicely and is currently treating 150 tonnes of garbage daily. There are plans for upgrading it to 250 tonnes per day. The government has also shortlisted places like Kundaim, Pissurlem and Colvale IDC to set up treatment plants for e-waste, bio-medical and hazardous waste,” Sawant said.
He also informed that the government has also introduced the concept of bio-toilet. Around 17,000 bio-toilets have been asked for by the panchayats.
“The cost for the general category is brought down to Rs 4,000 from earlier Rs 10,000, for OBC Rs 2,500 and Rs 1,000 for the ST community. By July 31, 2019 we are hoping to declare the state Open Defecation Free (ODF) State,” he said.
