MARGAO: Despite the High Court’s vigilant monitoring of activities at the Sonsoddo dump yard, local residents claim that the ground reality remains largely unchanged. They argue that certain aspects of the waste management issue have not been adequately addressed by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), and there is a lack of transparency regarding the accumulation and disposal of fresh mixed waste and dry waste.
The High Court had directed the transport of wet waste from Sonsoddo to the Saligao Waste Treatment Plant and the Cacora garbage treatment plant. However, many locals believe this is merely a temporary solution and that a permanent and comprehensive waste management strategy has yet to be developed for Sonsoddo.
Camilo Barretto, Chairman of the MMC’s Sanitation Committee, expressed his concern over the situation and emphasised the need for a more effective and scientificapproach to waste management at Sonsoddo.
“The ground reality is different from what is being shown to the public. Transporting wet waste from Margao to some other waste treatment plant is not the solution – it is just a temporary measure; we have failed in finding a permanent solution,” he stated.
Savio Coutinho, former chairperson of the MMC, rued that funds from the Finance Commission grants, which otherwise could have been utilised for infrastructure projects, are being poured into the haphazard works of waste (mis)management at Sonsoddo. “Waste is being ferried to other treatment plants, but on the other hand, mixed and dry waste is being accumulated here on a daily basis – a fact that is being hidden from the High Court,” alleged Coutinho.
He pointed out that the High Court has, for the third time, agreed to the Council proposal for the remediation of accumulated waste inside the shed.
“The first time, Rs 85 lakh was spent to clear the accumulated wet waste, after the exit of Fomento. The Council had pleaded for the clearing of the shed, to commence the treatment of daily wet waste; which never happened.
The Council was again granted the nod for the remediation of yet another batch of accumulated waste at the cost of Rs 3.40 crore, with the same assurance of starting treatment of daily wet waste,” he added.
In contrast, MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar asserted that positive changes are underway at Sonsoddo after the HC directives. “The civic body is working hard to change the scenario of Sonsoddo in
the coming days. Lots of positive changes will be seen,”
he claimed.
