MARGAO: The Chief Officer (CO) of the Margao Municipal Council, Gaurish Shankhwalkar, disclosed plans for an upcoming meeting scheduled for Monday, November 6, to engage stakeholders and address concerns revolving around the 5 TPD bio-methanation plant operating at the SGPDA market in Margao.
Among the primary topics set for discussion are waste management, modifications to the entrance, and the effective utilisation of electricity generated by the plant. Shankhwalkar confirmed the participation of Orja Bio System Private Ltd officials who are running the plant and representatives from the Electricity Department.
Shankhwalkar assured compliance with the inquiries raised by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) about the plant’s operational status. Recent attention has been directed at the plant following observations made by the GSPCB during an inspection, revealing that the plant was operating without the necessary consent. As a result, the MMC was entrusted with meeting the compliance standards. The issue of slurry disposal emerged, prompting an immediate halt to the practice of releasing slurry into nearby fields after complaints surfaced. Concerns were also raised about a stench emanating from the area. The GSPCB mandated the MMC to dispose of the slurry at the PWD-manned Sewage Treatment Plant (STPs).
Additionally, during the inspection, it was discovered that dry waste was littered in the area behind the plant. Segregated non-treatable waste such as bones was found stored in the shed. The segregated non-treatable waste is typically stored in provided bins, collected by the MMC. However, the bins were observed to be in poor condition.
The shed’s floor was being washed during the inspection, and the resulting wash water, containing leachate, was diverted to a chamber. Subsequently, the water from the chamber was pumped back to the plant’s collection tank. Leachate was also observed flowing from the waste loading area into the stormwater drain located outside the premises. It is to be noted that the plant has been encountering various challenges since its launch.
