MAPUSA: Minister for Waste Management Michael Lobo on Wednesday said Goa requires incineration technology to treat refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and to further convert it into electricity.
“People were opposing the three projects in Cacora, Saligao and Bainguinim but we convinced them that we require these three plants for treating wet waste. If this technology is set up, we will not have to send the RDF to cement companies. At least 15 to 20 trucks transport the RDF and each trip costs Rs 26,000”, Lobo said.
Addressing media persons after the site inspection of Assagao dump site along with Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, officials of waste management corporation and others, he said, “These types of dumps including Campal have been cleared and presently segregation and treatment is in progress at Mapusa dump site and others. All the waste generated in Goa including bio-medical, commercial, residential, hazardous as well as e-waste should be treated by Goa Waste management authorities”.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of waste segregation and treatment at Assagao, Cabral said, “Bio-mining system which is not available anywhere else is now introduced in Goa and this is the second site. Garbage from Calangute and Cacora has been cleared. At Assagao we have installed trommel while at other locations mining screening will be installed. Under trommel, waste is segregated without plastic. We are very happy to see the progress and by May-end, screening of the entire garbage will be over”.
Cabral said, “Cacora plant will be ready by August which will treat garbage of four talukas. We are working towards making Goa garbage free. Lobo as will take call on the Sonsoddo issue. Around 35000 sq mts of land has been acquired. The main purpose is screening, segregation and disposal.”
