PANJIM: The proposed Integrated Solid Waste Management Plant (ISWMP) at Bainguinim, considered as the centralised facility for the State, has finally got an Environmental Clearance (EC) to treat 250 tonnes of mixed waste per day (TPD).
The facility, costing over Rs 240 crore would be in operation in two shifts per day, with six working hours per shift and will be functional for 320 days a year.
Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo on Friday said that the facility has received the EC and now the government will initiate the process to invite expressions of interest.
Lobo said that State will seek Rs 100 cr financial support from the Central government under the Swacch Bharat Mission, for setting up the plant. From the day of issuing the work order, the plant will come up within 12 to 15 months, he said.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on the plant had mentioned that the proposed facility will improve the aesthetics of the surrounding areas and improve the quality of life, in specific the improvement of health and indirectly will also create employment to the local people.
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) had, in 2009, acquired 1.71 lakh sq mtrs of land at Bainguinim to set up the ISWMP to handle the waste generated in the State capital. However, the proposal was caught in a legal battle, following an objection raised by the local village panchayat.
In 2017, the project was handed over to Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) with CCP transferring the land to the waste corporation.
Addressing the media in Mapusa, Waste Management minister Michael Lobo said that a meeting will be held to convince the people and the MLA, Pandurang Madkaikar to have a plant at Bainguinim.
“A meeting will be called in presence of Chief Minister with the Panchayat, MLA to convince the people to come and see the model plant located on Saligao-Calangute plateau. We will also hold meeting with all the MLAs of Tiswadi and take forward this plan. We will also discuss about the need of the plant with MLA Pandurang Madkaikar taking into consideration the new projects, hotels, flats, high-rise buildings which are coming up here,” said Lobo.
Stating that expansion of Saligao plant is the need of the hour, the minister said, “Expansion of Saligao plant is required. The capacity of the plant is 100 tonnes. However, at present around 150 to 160 tonnes of waste is being treated. The capacity of the Digesters has to be increased if wet waste is concerned. At present required rectification is made and the odor which the plant used to release is cleared of which the people were complaining about”.
“Formation of Goa Waste Management Corporation was a demand. This is the first ever corporation in India since the country never had any Corporation for Waste. We have set up an example in Goa which will be followed by other States,” the Minister added.
Study of Environment Impact Assessment of Verna plant is also in progress, Lobo informed.
