PANJIM: With almost all industrial units failing to dispose-off their non-biodegradable material, the State government has decided to impose waste collection fees for such companies as part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
An amount of Rs 1,000 per tonne would be imposed as collection charges, which would be transferred to the concerned local body, where the industry operates.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Tuesday held meeting with the Minister for Waste Management Michael Lobo and other officials to review the functioning of the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC). The progress of Saligao plant expansion, construction of Waste facility at Cacora, Bainguinim plant tender, and others were discussed.
The State government transferred Rs 25 crore to GWMC towards construction of Solid Waste Management Facility at Cacora, the work of which was halted due to COVID pandemic. Also, another Rs 10 crore is sanctioned for expansion of Saligao facility.
Speaking to the media persons post meeting, Lobo said that the government has decided to introduce EPR, wherein an amount of Rs 1,000 per tonne would be charged as collection fees from the industries for collection and disposal of their non-biodegradable waste.
“There is lot of waste collected by the industries. It is not just industrial waste but other kind of material too, which needs scientific disposal,” he said.
The Minister said that the amount collected would be transferred to the village panchayats or the municipalities, where those industries are located.
“It is very important that the industries realise and bear the responsibility for environmental impact of their products,” he said.
Lobo said that the construction work of the Cacora waste plant, which was halted for last six months due to pandemic, resumed 10 days back.
“We intend to complete the plant in next 15 months, so that a dedicated facility is in place to handle waste of South Goa,” he said adding we want to inaugurate the plant before end of our term (government).
He further said that the expansion work of Saligao plant has also commenced.
Speaking on Bainguinim plant, Lobo said that the pre-bid meeting was held on Tuesday and the tender opening is scheduled on November 11. The Minister informed that the bio-medical facility at Kundaim and C&D Plant at Pissurlem would be ready by mid- 2021.
“In next one and half to two years, all the facilities would be ready and operational. Goa will be the first State in the country to have all the waste treatment facilities,” he said.
Lobo also said, “In next two years, we want to have clean, green Goa.”
