Team Herald
MARGAO: Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai on Friday stressed the need for an innovative solution to Sonsoddo dump site what he termed as a ‘massive’ problem.
Vijai visited the Sonsoddo site once again visited the site along with MMC chairperson Babita Angle, Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik, chairman of the Innovation Council Jose Manuel Noronha, councillors and others.
Speaking on the new Thermophillic bacteria technology used to get rid of garbage, Vijai said, “We have to initiate steps and not just speak. We have to see that either you bring a new person to handle the issue or settle it with the old person (Fomento Green). Municipality has to first settle with Fomento and then go ahead with expression of interest if you think it is required.”
Vijai appreciated the MMC Chief Officer for the follow up on the short-term measures with precision and for initiating the process for long-term measures to solve the Sonsodo issue.
“We are on course with regards to short-term measures and as a long-term measure we have to first settle with Fomento. We are back into writing letters and this should be followed up with some concrete action. I am expecting it from the municipality,” Vijai added.
Vijai introduced Jose Manuel Noronha, the Chairman of the Innovation Council. Vijai informed that the tech that is used at the Saligao plant is one of the methods which they are considering for Sonsoddo.
“The study of waste and characteristics followed by an innovative solution is the thrust. The traditional conventional solutions may not work for us given the size of the dump. The dump from 30000 tonnes has now increased to a massive 2 lakh metric tonnes,” he said.
Noronha informed that there are new technologies which use of Thermophilic bacteria that work in high temperature. The bacteria treats waste, generate compost and biogas methane as by-product. But I think we should not look at what we can get but have to spend money to treat garbage and make sure the problem is solved”.
—
Solve Sonsoddo issue or face stir, warns Curtorim MLA
Congress’ Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco has threatened to launch a stir if the Government fails to come out with a permanent solution to the Sonsoddo dump issue soon. He mocked Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai for his allegedly U-turn by stating the garbage would not be cleared even after a year.
Addressing a press briefing, Reginaldo said with no solution to the Sonsoddo garbage and with the monsoon at hand, the problem at Sonsoddo would result in the overflowing of leachate into water bodies which could in turn cause a major health hazard in entire Curtorim constituency, Macasana, Sao Jose de Areal, parts of Fatorda and Margao.
“Along with their MLA, the people of Curtorim would not be mute spectators, who have supported Vijai and his BJP government to solve the Sonsoddo garbage dump problem the cost of which has run into Rs 15 crore in the last one year,” Reginaldo alleged.
“Who is responsible for the Sonsoddo mess? And why is Vijai reluctant to settle the issue permanently? Why is Vijai delaying the issue? Why does Vijai want to hold people of Curtorim constituency, Macasana, Sao Jose de Areal, parts of Fatorda and Margao to ransom,” Reginaldo asked.
“Is it not M/s Fomento Green which has failed miserably in the said assigned task? Vijai and the government have faltered in getting the garbage cleared at the plant which now faces difficulty in coping with mixed garbage. I would like to remind Vijai that the Green Tribunal in its order on April 10, 2019 clearly indicated the steps for compliance of Rule 22 and Rule 24 SWM (Solid Waste Management) Rules must be now taken within six weeks,” he added.
