Says government has not shown seriousness in tackling the issue
TEAM HERALD
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CALANGUTE: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Tuesday threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike if the government fails to initiate measures to set up a garbage treatment plant to tackle the coastal garbage menace.
Addressing media persons at Calangute, Lobo said the garbage issue has been haunting his constituency and the State and the issue has been debated over and over again in the House.
“The High Court has directed to set up garbage treatment plants, especially in the coastal villages of Calangute, Candolim and Anjuna but nothing concrete is happening to tackle the vexed issue,” said Lobo.
“The coastal panchayats have filed affidavits claiming they have set up plants but the reality is just otherwise. Calangute and Candolim Panchayats are however taking care of its respective garbage but treatment of the garbage is of utmost importance,” he said.
“The need of the hour is setting up of a garbage treatment plant with proper technical set up for North Goa coastal villages like Candolim, Calangute, Anjuna, Arambol, etc, with government funding. Garbage collection should be left to the respective panchayats through contractors,” added Lobo.
“If a system is put in place, the garbage issue which has been haunting the coastal belts of Calangute and surrounding areas will be taken care of ultimately. The garbage issue has somewhat hit tourism in the coastal belts, resulting in decrease of foreign tourists,” said Lobo.
“The government has not shown seriousness in tackling the issue despite my personal initiatives. Bags of garbage have been dumped all along the roads or paddy fields either from restaurants or buildings,” he added.
“We have identified the place atop the hills on Calangute-Saligao plateau but the government needs to take up the matter with the respective comunidades and set up mechanical garbage treatment plant including segregation and treatment.”
“The plant would be ideal to meet the needs of the coastal villages of North Goa but the government needs to initiate steps, which is not happening.”
“I am giving the government six months to initiate measures to set up North Goa Coastal Garbage Treatment Plant, failing which I will go on indefinite hunger strike. I want the garbage issue to be tackled on priority basis and will not rest till it becomes a reality,” warned Lobo.
