Goans must change mentality on waste management: Minister

VASCO: Highlighting on the several oppositions against the waste treatment plants and waste management, Minister for Science and Technology and Waste Management Michael Lobo on Friday said that the mentality of the Goan people needs to be changed. 

Lobo opined that the State’s rural areas need to be developed. Some villages still have cellular connectivity and power supply issues and the Forest Department should cooperate and support the people living in the forested areas. 

The minister, who was present for the inauguration of public works in the Cortalim Constituency, informed the media persons that in rural areas of Goa not much development have taken place. There is a need to undertake development in the village areas. I have visited four panchayats recently wherein there is absolutely no cellular connectivity. There is an urgent need to install mobile towers in such areas. 

He also opined that in remote areas, the Forest Department is not providing permissions to carry out necessary works such as to bring in the electricity and to make pathways. Under Goa Waste Management Corporation, we will provide toilets to the houses of these areas. 

“My team will visit New Delhi and try to get funds from the Centre to undertake development of these areas,” he added.

Commenting on the waste collection and waste management, the Minister said that in coastal areas and interior parts of North Goa, door to door garbage collection is happening. We have also started enhancing the Saligao Waste Treatment Plant which will increase plant’s capacity. New bio-digester will be installed. This enhancement will cost around Rs 103 crore and almost 30 per cent of the work has been completed.

Further pointing out on the issue of waste management, Lobo said, “In South Goa, the opposition to install a plant is there and people have that mentality of opposing the waste from even nearby wards. This mentality of the people needs to be changed. If we want to keep Goa clean then three waste management plants and one incineration plant should come up.” 

When asked whether garbage treatment plant will be set up at Verna, Lobo replied in negative.

He stated that the Cacora Waste Treatment Plant work is in progress and likely to be completed by October end.