MARGAO: In response to pressure from the High Court over the handling of the garbage issue at Sonsodo, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has implemented daily reviews at the legacy dump site and direct transportation of waste from Margao to the Saligao waste treatment plant. The High Court recently criticized the MMC for missing deadlines in resolving the garbage problem.
After the inspection on Friday, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat emphasized that MMC engineers will be held accountable if they fail to adhere to the agreed-upon timelines.
MMC Chief Officer Gaurish Sankhwalkar confirmed these measures, stating that private vehicles were already hired to transport 30 tonnes of wet waste generated in the MMC’s jurisdiction to the Saligao plant. He highlighted that the High Court’s directions included the establishment of an office at Sonsoddo for daily waste management monitoring and the presence of a municipal engineer at the site.
Sankhwalkar added that within the MMC’s jurisdiction, a total of 35 tonnes of wet waste is generated daily, with five tonnes treated using bioremediation methods at the SGPDA plant near the market. The remaining 30 tonnes will be taken to Saligao, following the government’s decision on the matter.
MMC officials expressed relief at the progress made in shifting the garbage, which will help expedite the remediation work at Sonsoddo. Additionally, measures have been implemented to promptly address any issues that may cause delays in the operations at Sonsoddo.
CALANGUTE: Residents of Saligao have voiced their opposition to the transportation of garbage from the Sonsoddo dump yard to the garbage treatment plant (GTP) in Saligao. They expressed concerns about the GTP’s capacity, which is currently set at 200 tonnes per day.
Saligao MLA Kedar Naik addressed reporters on Friday, highlighting the alarm among villagers regarding reports of the State government planning to bring 30 tonnes of garbage to the Saligao GTP. He emphasized that the stench from the GTP already affects the people of Saligao, Pilerne, and Nerul, and bringing additional garbage would worsen the situation. MLA Naik and affected villagers met with CM Pramod Sawant to discuss the issue. Following the meeting, Naik stated “The CM said this is only temporary, and the GTP capacity will not be expanded.” Saligao Sarpanch Lucas Remedious emphasized the existing problems faced by villagers, including the stench and health issues.
