Team Herald
mapusa: Saligao and Calangute villagers have strongly objected to expansion of Saligao Garbage treatment plant from 100 to 250 tonnes.
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Addressing media persons on Wednesday, Saligao MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar informed that the stakeholders from Saligao such as the Saligao Communidade, Saligao Civic Consumer Forum, Saligao panchayat, former and present panch members and the villagers have strongly objected to expansion of the plant.
“There is fear and anxiety amongst the people regarding the expansion of the treatment plant. The existing plant is already affecting Saligao, Pilerne and nearby villages and we strongly object to its expansion plan,” Salgaonkar added.
The former State minister further said that the plant’s machinery, which had been presented before; and the machinery that has been brought in now, is outdated.
“There are much more advanced technologies. The government should adapt that technology and place them in each taluka so that every taluka can handle its own garbage because if this plant is expanded, then it will turn into a time bomb,” the Goa Forward MLA added.
He further called on the government to prioritize issues that are of more importance.
“There are many projects the government can look into. There are several issues such as electricity, unemployment and the small-time businesses, which are suffering. Instead of investing time into this plant, the government should focus on other issues, which are more important,” Salgaonkar added.
He also pointed out that the villagers had approved expansion of plant from 80 to 100 tonnes only because the former Chief Minister had given an assurance that the plant will only treat the garbage of Saligao, Calangute and nearby areas.
“Assurances were given that the water table will be taken care of; that the plant will not cause a stench; and that there will be dedicated roads for transportation. However till date nothing has been put in place and the villagers are suffering due to the same”.
Villagers further highlighted how they are facing difficulties due to the existing plant and how its expansion will lead to an increase of such problems.
Village reiterated that the erstwhile (late) Manohar Parrikar-led government had assured the villagers that the government will not expand the plant without taking the villagers into consideration; and had also said that the plant will be only for Saligao, Calangute and nearby villages and not for the whole of North Goa.
“However, now garbage from all over is getting treated here. We were told that the trucks will move on dedicated roads and not the internal roads but till date the trucks are moving from the same internal roads causing inconvenience to the locals. The ground water is contaminated and the area is stinking due to the existing plant. We strongly object to expansion of the Saligao plant,” the group of villagers added.
