------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------- Garbage Disposal Plants --------------------------------- The collection and disposal of garbage in Goa is proving to be a tough nut to crack. The question on the public mind now is; whether or not the government is serious about the whole affair?
A long time has elapsed since the present government made promises on the floor of the House to attend to the problem and find a solution on a priority basis. The House appointed a committee under Mr Digamber Kamat to carry out a ground study and recommend suitable sites in both north and south Goa for the purpose of setting up garbage disposal plants.
These were to have adequate facilities for treatment and disposal of dry garbage/solid waste of various categories in accordance with the Management and Disposal of Solid Waste Disposal Rules, 2000 approved by the Government of India and The Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996. The House Committee was reported to have done a wonderful job and selected two ideal places, one each in north and south Goa.
While attending a seminar on the subject at the International Centre some months ago, I had the opportunity to speak to Mr P U Asnani, an expert on the subject (who is approved by the World Health Organisation, the Government of India and the Supreme Court). He complimented the work of the House Committee in choosing such eminently correct places for the garbage treatment plant area.
Thereafter we learnt that some politicians aroused a few locals to protest and the whole exercise came to a standstill. Why may we ask? The government knows its priorities and must take strong action to take possession of the land and start operations. Such dilly-dallying only encourages lawlessness and violence.
Why have the health and environment departments not carried regular inspections of the existing garbage dumps and taken action for gross violations? Is it not their duty?
The dump on the Saligao-Calangute-Pilerne plateau continues to violate all the accepted rules. It is only a stone's throw from the office of the department of environment, and yet they have not taken any action to ensure compliance of the Acts and Rules! Are they not accountable to any one?
All the affected villagers of Saligao, Pilerne and Marra are waiting for the speedy action by our government. How long more are they to wait? Will the promises made on the floor of the Legislative Assembly be respected?
Thus far the answer is in the negative. We all want to be affected by the 'feel-good factor'. Let Goa also be shinning. Presently it is smelling.
Brig (Retd) IAN DA COSTA, Saligao in a letter to the Editor ---------------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 3/03/04 Page 3 ----------------------------------------------
======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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