SALIGAO: The Saligao villagers and the local panchayat have unanimously decided that there should not be any further expansion of the solid waste management plant at a meeting convened at the panchayat hall on Wednesday.
The meeting was held to chalk out a plan to stop the “unbearable” stink emitting from the garbage plant at Saligao.
During the meeting, Sarpanch Shraddha Borkar urged the locals to put forth their grievances and suggestions so that some action could be taken in the matter.
Former sarpanch Eknath Oraskar suggested the need to call for a special gram sabha to discuss the issue. He highlighted the need for dedicated roads to the plant.
“It is high time they restrict the number of panchayats dumping their waste in Saligao and at no cost should the capacity of the plant be expanded. We all have to stand united and oppose the expansion of the plant and only then will we manage to get a solution to the foul smell,” Oraskar said.
Congress spokesperson Tulio D’Souza said that the expansion of the plant is being unanimously opposed by the residents of Saligao.
“The current plant is overloaded as they are bringing in garbage from across North Goa. Initially, it was supposed to cater to Saligao and Calangute constituencies. The plant is unable to function to its maximum capacity due to the unsegregated waste being brought here. Let us not allow the Saligaonkars to be taken for granted and let us stand united,” D’Souza said.
While a local and member of Save Saligao group, Mario Cordeiro said that the plant is a failure due to the unsegregated garbage coming in from the various villages.
“Saligao will turn into another Sonsoddo as the stink will continue if no action is taken in time. This village will become the garbage capital of Goa if the plant is further expanded,” Cordeiro said.
Another local, Ramesh Ghadi said that the capacity of the plant should not be expanded and garbage from other villages should not be accommodated.
