TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CALANGUTE: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday clarified that the proposed Garbage Treatment Plant (GTP) atop the Saligao-Calangute plateau is only for the coastal villages of Calangute, Saligao and surrounding areas, and would not be used for the entire north Goa.
Parrikar made the statement during his visit to Saligao to address the apprehensions of residents regarding the proposed GTP.
“I am making it clear that the GTP is only for Calangute constituency, Saligao constituency and may be nearby coastal villages with a capacity of 100 tonnes and it is not for the entire North Goa,” said Parrikar.
“We will set up similar plants in other villages in due course of time. We have been working to set up this GTP for over a year now and we will go ahead only after due process is followed and completed,” the chief minister added.
He assured that no foul smell would emanate from the GTP or even while transporting garbage to the plant. “Everything will be systematically done by transporting a maximum of 14-15 trucks on a daily basis,” he said.
Seeking clarification from the chief minister, Dean D’Cruz remarked, “As of now, Calangute generates 80 tonnes of garbage, which may go up to 100 tonnes by the time the plant is set up. So, it is basically being set up for Calangute village.”
“Therefore, we would appreciate if the plant is shifted from the present site to a location at the plateau in Calangute village, which will be away from both springs of Salmona in Saligao and Mottant in Calangute.”
“Dumping of garbage at the present site is not being done scientifically, despite the court directives to the Calangute panchayat and everything is in the mess. The villagers are already facing problems with the foul smell due to dumping of garbage at the site and they are apprehensive about the proposed GTP,” D’Cruz added.
Other residents sought clarifications on the feasibility and maintenance of the plant and Parrikar sought to address these issues.
Environment Minister Alina Saldanha appealed to residents of Saligao to cooperate in setting up of the GTP at the plateau. Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, GIDC MD Sanjith Rodrigues provided details regarding the technology to be used at the proposed GTP, while others present at the meet included GSPCB Member Secretary Levinson Martins and panchas of Saligao.
