Team Herald
PORVORIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said that the handling capacity of the Solid Waste Management Plant at Saligao plateau will be increased to 250 tonnes per day.
Replying in the Assembly, Parrikar said that the government was taking serious view of tackling garbage.
“We have decided to increase the capacity of Saligao plant to 250 tonnes besides with tie-up with NABARD we are starting the work on Cacora plant by September this year,” he said.
However, when Calangute MLA Michael Lobo raised a query on the unbearable stench in his constituency due to the plant, Parrikar said, “it will be reduced once the capacity is enhanced.”
Lobo pointed out that parts of Orda, Candolim and Pilerne smell when the plant is operational.
However, the Chief Minister contended that additional Rs 84 cr is being pumped into the plant which will take care of enhancing capacity.
Further, the chief minister said that garbage is a hard subject to tackle as there are no experts available, no trained people.
Parrikar though said that collections from the panchayats and schools have improved significantly besides collections from the National Highways.
He said the government’s initiation of ban on plastic has already begun besides the ban on drinking in public places and littering will come in few weeks.
He said littering in public places or bridges (throwing garlands in river), will invite a fine of Rs 500 to Rs 1000.
