PANJIM: The Church in Goa has reiterated its objection to the garbage treatment plant at Bainguinim at the public hearing held at Old Goa.
The Church was among the earliest voices to raise objections to the proposed plant stating it would largely affect the heritage site housing religious structures and natural water bodies. Right from the year 2008, the Church in Goa, through its Council for Social Justice and Peace, along with other concerned organisations and citizens, has been raising these objections.
“The Church had stated that year itself that the land being acquired was a historical site. On the southern side of the proposed land, there is an ancient historical laterite stone fort wall and an exquisite arch belonging to the Kadamba kingdom. The proposed landfill and waste management site is just 500 metres away from the historical Shiva Temple of Bramhapuri, 700 metres from “Khuris Milagr” (Church of the Miraculous Cross) and just 1.5 kms from the Church Complex at Old Goa. Besides, an International Educational Institute, the ‘Sunshine School’ and the Mutt of ‘Shri Sadguru Narendra Maharaj Saunsthan’ are just 200 metres away from the proposed landfill site,” a press statement issued by the Church states.
“The Church understands the importance of having a garbage treatment plant, but for it to be set up in such a close vicinity to a holy and significant place, having also a world heritage site status, is just unacceptable. With the stink around, will the atmosphere be conducive for worshippers of two religious traditions to pray? And for young students to genuinely profit from the educational facilities being offered to them?
It is important to note that there is a Central Notification from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, dated September 25, 2000, which categorically states that “landfill site shall be away from habitation clusters, forest areas, water bodies, airports including airbase, monuments, national parks, wetlands and places of important cultural, historical or religious interest,” it stated.
The Church also pointed out that thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit the historical monuments every day and having a waste management site in close proximity will certainly cause nuisance to them and create a bad image for the State.”
“Thus we hold to our stand that a garbage treatment plant at Bainguinim, Old Goa, cannot be accepted by any right-minded Goan,” it stated.
