MARGAO: Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has been urged to take immediate action to clear the massive piles of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and inert waste at Sonsoddo dump yard ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. Concerned citizens have voiced fears that the waste generated after the bioremediation of the legacy dump, could overflow onto the road and cause a health hazard. The call comes ahead of a High Court hearing on April 10, where MMC and the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) are expected to submit a detailed report on progress made at the site.
Levinson Martins, Managing Director of the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC), recently visited the site and found the work ‘satisfactory’. Speaking to O Heraldo, he said that the Municipality had initiated work on the shed, road outside the old plant, and construction of a tank to store leachate.
It may be recalled that at the recently-held special meeting the Margao Municipal Council had approved an action plan in tackling the prevailing situation at the dump yard. The city fathers had also given approval to spend the grants from the 14th Finance Commission on the task.
“As per the directions of the court, the civic body needs to submit an action taken report. I will file a separate report before the court after verification of what the Margao Municipality has reported,” Martins said.
He added that the Municipality has expedited the works at Sonsoddo.
However, the council is facing opposition from concerned citizens, who warn that the RDF and inert material generated after the bioremediation of the legacy dump could pose a hazard ahead of the monsoon season. A large quantity of RDF and inert waste remains on site, and locals are worried it could spill onto the road. “The Margao Municipal Council has to get rid of the RDF and inert
material before the monsoon, as there are chances
of it flowing down on the road if not picked up,” said Jose Noronha, a resident
of Borda.
