PANJIM: The environmental public hearing for the proposed garbage treatment plant at Bainguinim will be held on Sunday, July 28, amidst growing opposition and apprehensions from various sections including the Church.
A delegation consisting of the North Goa Collector, R Menaka, Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) Managing Director Levinson Martins and Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Commissioner Shashank Tripathi on Saturday met Fr Patricio Fernandes, the Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa to garner support from the Church in favour of the proposed plant.
However, the concerns remain intact despite the assurances that the proposed plant would be built with the most modern technology that would provide the best solutions available to tackle the garbage menace in Tiswadi taluka and more specifically in Panjim and Old Goa.
Speaking to Herald after the meeting, Fr Patricio said, “There is no doubt that there is a garbage problem and there is a need for a modern technology based plant to tackle the issue.”
“However, the major concern is the protection of the environment especially the smell that is created. The smell would reach to this place (Basilica of Bom Jesus) and this is a world heritage monument. There are environmental concerns too regarding the leachate seeping into the ground and into the wells, and it has been happening in Saligao, Sonsoddo and Mapusa and other places. So there are concerns that will this not be another similar site,” he stated.
Stating that he placed his concerns before the delegation, Fr Patricio said, “They too agree that there will be smell but at the same time they say that with the technology to build the plant the smell can be curtailed. They also said that segregation of waste at source is what they are going to implement so that all the garbage is not put together and the smell will be reduced.”
When asked if the assurances are convincing enough for the Church to support the proposal, he said “The assurances in other places have not been there (satisfactorily executed). They are saying the plant (in Saligao) is working well but the people are saying no, it’s the other way.”
When asked what would be the message to the people attending the public hearing on Sunday, Fr Patricio said, “People are geared in one direction while definitely there is a need for something. It is true that everybody is concerned about what do we do with the garbage.”
“They (government) are saying all these things, but if we have it here then we are kind of doomed with it. Given the past experiences, I don’t know how far these steps will help in making the environment more conducive for living,” he further said.
The Old Goa Panchayat last Sunday, July 21 passed a unanimous resolution that they would oppose the plant and if needed move the High Court against the government’s proposal.
Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar who has not been much active has extended his support to the locals opposing the plant by attending a protest organised by the Pornem Goemcho Nagrik Manch.
