Team Herald
MARGAO: After an inspection of the Sonsoddo dump yard, Margao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar claimed that effective waste management measures are being implemented. However, councillor Camilo Barretto, the Chairman of the Sanitary Committee expressed concerns that “all is not well” at the site.
On Tuesday, following the public outcry over the deplorable conditions at the Sonsoddo dump yard and a threat by the collective ‘Citizens for Sonsoddo’ to re-file a petition in the High Court, MMC officials, including Shirodkar and Chief Officer Ajit Panchwadkar, conducted an inspection of the site.
Barretto, who accompanied the officials, pointed out numerous issues at the dump yard, including inadequate monitoring and non-functional bailing machines. He stated that these problems have contributed to the severe accumulation of waste at the site.
A day prior, Citizens for Sonsoddo had submitted a memorandum to the MMC, alleging that despite High Court directives, the conditions at Sonsoddo remain dire. They highlighted that all four bailing machines were non-operational, leading to a growing waste problem.
In response to these concerns, Shirodkar told reporters, “We are taking all necessary measures to keep the area clean, and all garbage brought here is treated, including the bailing of dry waste.”
He acknowledged the technical issues with the bailing machines but insisted there were no deliberate attempts to keep them out of service. Shirodkar also addressed the problem of waste being dumped in open areas and on roadsides, often by labourers engaged by garbage collection contractors. He emphasised that the civic body is committed to ensuring regular waste collection.
Barretto, however, remained critical of the current operations. “The issues of garbage will not be resolved without such a plant. The piled-up dry waste clearly indicates that the bailing machines are non-functional,” he said. He pointed to the piled-up dry waste as evidence of the bailing machines’ non-functionality and criticized the ongoing practice of merely collecting and transporting garbage rather than treating it on-site. He suggested that a proper waste treatment facility at Sonsoddo could save the civic body significant transportation costs.