TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has refused to bow down to the demands of Saligao comunidade, thereby making it clear that government will go ahead with the proposed garbage treatment plant (GTP) on the Calangute-Saligao plateau by seeking all required permissions from the concerned authorities.
Parrikar categorically stated, “Every village has objection for garbage treatment plant in their vicinity and also wants government to tackle garbage menace…government cannot bow down to every demand.”
“It would be difficult for government to handle garbage issue if everyone opposes garbage treatment plant…I refuse to shift the plant from Saligao,” Chief Minister said on the sidelines of a press briefing on Wednesday.
“The move is basically politically motivated,” he added.
Saligao comunidade is opposing North Goa Garbage Treatment Plant on the Calangute-Saligao plateau, as it will adversely affect the life and property of Saligao and the surrounding villages and villagers.
Parrikar said that the issue raised by the comunidade is invalid as the plant will not create any pollution hazard. He said that all the people creating problems and objecting to the plant should meet him at a mutually agreed date by October-end.
Explaining government plans, Parrikar said that each panchayat would be given a certain quota which would be transported and treated at the site free of cost. Each panchayat will have to pay at a per tonne rate once the permitted quota is exceeded by it, he stated.
Further, the Chief Minister said that State could emulate garbage management techniques from European countries such as Germany, Austria and Italy. Two garbage treatment plants are being set up based on learning gained from trips to these European countries.
“A team will be sent to see the working of technology in Germany, Austria and Milan,” Parrikar said. Chief Minister said that State will need one more treatment plant as the total waste generated in the State is over 500 tonnes.
