MARGAO: The 5 TPD (tonnes per day) biomethanation plant set up by the Margao Municipal Council at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority retail market to treat its wet waste has stirred up a significant health hazard and environmental degradation. Additionally, it has resulted in inconvenience for the local business community.
The problem revolves around the discharge of the malodorous wastewater from the plant into the open fields. Alarming reports indicate that the wet waste, comprising rotting vegetables and poultry waste, delivered to the plant is being dumped right in front of its main entrance, streaming onto the footpath and nearby road.
As a result, both businesses operating near the plant and concerned citizens are urging swift action to rectify the situation and implement a practical waste management system.
This issue is not new, as it was previously highlighted by O Heraldo — the waste water discharge from the biomethanation plant has been contaminating the adjoining fields, posing significant health risks and further polluting the Sal River.
Now, a distressing volume of wet waste has been spotted being carelessly disposed of at the plant’s entrance. Half of it obstructs the footpath, while the remainder flows onto the road. Local vendors and business operators, including restaurant, hotel, and general store owners situated right opposite the plant, are voicing their frustrations. They report losses due to the foul odour emanating from the plant, deterring customers from entering their establishments.
Yogesh Nagvenkar, a resident of Fatorda, expressed his disappointment, emphasising that the plant’s original purpose has been entirely undermined by the present situation. He urged for the plant’s operation to be more practical, devoid of nuisances and pollution.
These circumstances highlight the apparent failure of the civic body in effectively managing the plant’s operations, according to Nagvenkar. A shop owner neighbouring the biomethanation plant lamented that the wet waste spilling onto the road has brought forth an unpleasant stench.
“We implore the Margao Municipality to address the operational issues plaguing the plant. If immediate action is not taken to rectify its operations, it won’t be long before serious health hazards are reported here,” said the shopkeeper.
