MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council’s (MMC) biomethanation plant, which was inaugurated at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) market on Wednesday besides treating five tonnes of waste, will also generate nearly 450 units of power and revenue of nearly Rs 10,000 daily.
However, Minister for Urban Development Milind Naik and SGPDA chairman Wilfred D’Sa played truant by skipping the function and hence the plant was inaugurated by Leader of Opposition and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat in the presence of Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai.
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Margao’s first 5 TPD biomethanation power project with advanced technology of 450 cum floating MS gas holder type main digester with automatic scum breaking mechanism will treat 5000 kg of food, fish and vegetable waste on a daily basis.
The civic body now aims at commencing another two 5 TPD biomethanation plants in the commercial capital, besides 25 TPD plant at Sonsoddo.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, besides MMC chairperson Lyndon Pereira, chief officer Agnelo Fernandes and several other councillors including director of Urja Bio System Nitish Desphande were present.
Speaking to media persons, Nitish said the 5 TPD biomethanation plant commenced in Margao is the first in Goa.
“This is Goa’s first biomethanation plant which will generate biogas and thereafter electricity. Plant with 5 tonnes of waste per day will generate almost 450 units of power on a daily basis. The revenue of almost Rs 10,000 per day will be a source of income to the local body. It is a matter of pride for MMC and Goa to have such biomethanation plant”, he said.
Nitish said food, besides chicken and vegetable waste will be utilised in generating the bio-gas and electricity through the plant. This plant will also produce 700-1000 kg of organic manure per day.
Digambar Kamat said, “This is a small step towards resolving the long pending garbage issue in Margao.”
“Our focus is to resolve the pending issue of Sonsoddo garbage. The proposed 25 TPD plant for which the expression of interest has already been invited will certainly help the people to get rid of the garbage issue”, he said.
Digambar urged the civic body to take the Sonsoddo issue seriously.
MLA Vijai Sardesai said, “MMC has always set up a standard for the whole of Goa and this biomethanation plant is one example.”
“The civic body should form a special cell to monitor the functioning and issues related to Sonsoddo ”, he said.
MMC chairperson Lyndon Pereira said the priority of the civic body is to resolve the Sonsoddo issue and parking problem in Margao.
“Two more biomethanation plants will be commissioned once this plant runs successfully”, he said.
Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said, “The manure will be used for Margao council garden and lawns, besides the generated power will be used for plant operations and SGPDA market streetlights.”
