Herald: What needs to be done regarding the ongoing door to door collection of garbage in Margao that is being undertaken by the MMC?
Jose Manuel Noronha : It is essential for an effective Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) system. It is a fact that almost 70% of MSW generated in a municipal area comes from residential units and the balance in equal proportions from Institutions and commercial establishments. If all generators segregate their waste and hand it over to the municipal council collectors, the entire process of waste management becomes much more efficient. The quality of compost generated in such a process is also far superior.
Herald: GSPCB has played a critical role with regard to the functioning of the treatment plant. Plus, you have yourself inspected the site. Your thoughts?
Noronha: The treatment plant at Margao has been in operation for a while now. The board has been discussing the issue of processing the leachate presently being held in holding tanks through an Effluent Treatment Plant so that it does not flow out of the processing area and cause water pollution in the vicinity. We are also keen that the landfill for the new facility is prepared at the earliest in a scientific manner so that all non recyclable waste that cannot be co-processed is sent to the landfill.
Herald: The MMC states the ball is now in the government’s court as they had submitted the detailed project report last year. There is also a divided opinion on what needs to be done – capping or shifting of the dump. Furthermore, there is a need to provide a tarpaulin cover over the dump and the nearby residents have raised the same with your office?
Noronha: The dump has to be covered with tarpaulin before the onset of the monsoons so that leachate does not flow out into the open storm water drains and create water pollution in the surrounding areas.
Herald: The MMC has complained that they have done what they could and are only delayed due to lack of prompt support from government agencies in terms of infrastructure of funds. Do you agree with this stance?
Noronha: As far as I am aware, there are some funds available for collection, treatment and disposal of MSW. The possibilities of additional funds through some taxation could always be explored by the councils because the responsibility of collection, treatment and disposal of MSW lies with the civic body. As far as the capping is concerned, we had suggested that the present site should be screened We had made this proposal on account of the limited land available in the state of Goa and we need to understand that for this reason, minimal amount of waste should be
land filled.
