Team Herald
MAPUSA: A garbage treatment plant for South Goa will be ready in next 15 months, said Goa Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo, on Saturday.
Lobo was speaking at a Garbage bin distribution programme organised by Verla-Canca Village Panchayat in collaboration with Goa Waste Management Corporation. Addressing the gathering, the Waste Management Minister said that the Goa Waste Management has handed over garbage vehicles to two panchayats and another four will receive by the end of next month.
The two identified panchayats Aldona and Assagao are, however, yet to shortlisted. These garbage vehicle will be given to panchayats which face financial constraints and cannot afford to buy vehicle.
Lobo further said, “People need to change the attitude of not in my backyard to curb the garbage management problem because technology is changing”.
Informing that outside countries use technology to create energy out of waste, Lobo said, “In outside countries, plastic which we throw out, is termed energy because they create energy out of it. The countries outside are so
advanced that they generate their own energy. We have learnt from countries like Norway and Sweden whose technology is best in the world. Having such a plant in Goa is need of the hour”.
Stating that Goa Government is planning to adopt the technology to manage waste, Lobo said “Goa Government has taken a decision to adopt this idea. The Government will not spend a single rupee on this project but a private company will take up the work of the plant and give us the energy. Everything that we throw out right from our clothes to furniture, will be used to create energy. The wet garbage will be treated at Calangute plant and the dry waste which we send out of the State, will be treated in Goa itself. In the next seven months, the paper work, like the permissions of Environment Impact Assessment or Environment clearance and permission of Goa State Pollution Board will be completed.”
Lobo further informed that Government will be laying a foundation for a treatment plant in South Goa this month. “A garbage plant, similar to the one at Calangute, is coming up in South Goa. This plant was planned along with Calangute plant. However, it was pending due to paper work had to be changed three times as better technology will be used for this plant, which will be located in jurisdiction of Cacora municipality. The foundation stone for the project will be laid on the anniversary of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on December 13. This project is estimated to cost around Rs 1900 crore and will be ready in 15 months.”
Whilst referring to safety of women Lobo appealed people to conduct police verification of tenants, workers or any outsiders residing in their houses to avoid any incident pertaining to safety of human life and loss.
