The Times of India       09.09.2014

Margao municipal council wants study on GSUDA’s waste plant

MARGAO: In view of the existing garbage treatment plant in Margao and the government's plans to launch a treatment plant in both the districts, the Margao municipal council (MMC) appeared hesitant to give permission for an ambitious plan of the Goa state urban development agency to set up a plant in Margao that will convert plastic waste into fuel.

At a special council meeting held on Monday to take a call on pending e-tenders, chairperson Gonzaco Rebello placed before the councillors a proposal by the GSUDA to set up a plant aimed at recycling plastic waste.

But, as there was no clarity or additional information regarding the proposal, the council has asked GSUDA to submit a detailed report along with a feasibility study before they give permission for the same.

GSUDA sources stated that they want to acquire land admeasuring 12,000 sq m near Sonsoddo and set up this plant at the cost of 15 crore. GSUDA sources added that a consultant would be engaged to run the plant and that plant will take care of plastic waste generated in the city at first and then surrounding areas for the next 30 years. GSUDA officials added that there would be a similar plant in north Goa as well but that the same project is still at the planning stage.

Theplastic waste will be converted into fuel which be used to run the plant itself.Former MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho has hailed the concept and said that it could be used to take care of the existing garbage dump at Sonsoddo and provided an alternative to the existing plan to cap the landfill site which would mean losing land admeasuring 16,000 sqm.

Earlier, the councillors debated on the controversial e-tenders which have been held up since September last year. The councillors were upset when they found out that the current chief officer Narayan Sawant did not have the password to open the file carrying the e-tenders that were prepared during the tenure of his predecessor.

A few of these tender projects have been held up after an inquiry carried out by the directorate of municipal administration (DMA) confirmed allegations that it would only lead to the duplication of completed development works.

But, the council has decided to open the remaining e-tenders that were cleared by the directorate of municipal administration (DMA).