TEAM HERALD
CURCHOREM: Some councillors of Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) have opposed the proposed Solid Waste Management Facility (SWMF) project at Cacora-Curchorem.
It may be recalled that during the recent council meeting called to discuss the proposal of transferring municipal land to Department of Science, Technology and Environment (DSTE), some councillors had raised objections to the proposed project.
Speaking to media, Councillor of Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) Pushkal Sawant said as per Municipal Act 88 (3), the Council has no powers to lease any of its property for over 3 years. “How we can take the resolution to lease council property to the DSTE for 99 years,” asked Sawant.
He further said once if council leases its own property to DSTE, then the council will be stranger and will not have any say in the functioning of the proposed plant. “We don’t know the terms and conditions between the government and the company. We don’t know from where the 100 tonnes of garbage will come and only seeing the lease agreement of the DSTE we can pass the resolution,” stated Sawant.
“CCMC can tie-up with the company to have a small capacity plant, where the council and people have a say in the functioning of the plant,” added Sawant.
Local ward councillor Alifa Fernandes said: “I am with my people and we all oppose the proposed plant in our ward and we have already informed about this to our MLA.”
Supporting the project, BJP Curchorem Block President Ashish Karmali said if the project becomes reality, then it will help to solve the garbage problem permanently.
“The proposed project will be built by using ultra-modern technology, one of the best in the world. We will commence the project within two years by taking everybody into confidence including those who are opposing it and will address their concern,” said Karmali.
On he foul odour while transporting the garbage, he said all garbage will be transported by using concealed compartment to avoid any foul odour and also all precautions will be taken.
