Bainguinim EC: Old Goa locals to challenge nod

| JANUARY 12, 2020, 05:45 AM IST

MANUEL VAZ

OLD GOA

Even as Environment Clearance (EC) has been granted to the proposed garbage treatment plant at Bainguinim, residents of Old Goa are gearing up for a legal battle to challenge the basis on which the EC was granted.

Speaking to The Goan, NIO scientist Arwind Sawan, who resides in the vicinity of proposed project, said he had read the 11-page EC report and was surprised that none of the issues raised by the speakers at the public hearing have been addressed.

“At the public hearing, many questions were posed. But none of the questions have been answered or countered. It appears that the public hearing was a complete waste of time and public money,” Sarwan pointed out, while stating that the hearing was held only to show that procedures have been followed.

“The Minister for Waste Management was saying all along that he is waiting for EC as if he was very sure of the same. It is purely based on the powers of the BJP or the followers of the BJP, who are sitting and signing without any debate on the topic,” he further alleged.

“The minister wants to get rid of so-called ‘legacy waste’

of Sonsodo and Saligao. In scientific terms, there is nothing called ‘legacy waste’ because for anything to be called ‘legacy’, the basic structure and characteristics has be remain constant over the years, which is not possible in the case of waste,” Sarwan opined.

“There is basic violation of science and technology to suit the convenience of the government. I strongly condemn since there is no scientific or technological aspect that is taken into consideration in the EC clearance,” he stated.

“There are so many shortcomings deliberately done in connivance with the authorities. It is total dictatorship by the government which is violating the scientific and legislative norms. Citizens will welcome anything which is scientifically planned not haphazardly. They wanted to meet HC directives on Sonsodo and Saligao. They wanted a dumping place and the abandoned quarries at Bainguinim will be used for the same. And they will say that they have cleared Sonsodo and Saligao to make people from there happy,” he added.

Sarwan further professed that down the line, it will be a big disaster for the UNESCO sites of Goa.

On the road ahead, Sarwant informed that the only respite is to file an application in the NGT or knock the doors of the court and file a PIL.

“We are definitely going ahead with the same. We have many submissions which the court will entertain. The court can admit the application on the basis of the grievances of the public,” he added, while stating that the basis on which the EC has been granted will be challenged.

“We have to submit our plea which will be done shortly and there is a 30-day period to challenge the EC. We already appointed lawyer and are also going to appoint more lawyers to fight the issue in the NGT,” he informed.

Old Goa p’yat is with people, says sarpanch

OLD GOA: Se Old Goa Sarpanch Janita Madkaikar said the panchayat is with the people in opposing the proposed garbage treatment plant at Old Goa.

“Only two days back, I along with other panchas had met Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo at the CM’s residence and conveyed our objections to the same,” Madkaikar informed.

“The minister has sought a meeting of various panchayats along with the MLA, in which the issue of the garbage plant will be discussed threadbare,” said Madkaikar.Residents to meet on January 14

OLD GOA: The organization ‘Pornem Goencho Nagrik Manch’ spearheading the movement against the proposed garbage plant at Bainguinim has decided to hold a meeting of affected residents, before unveiling its future course of action.

President of the Manch Ambar Amonkar informed that a meeting has been planned on January 14.

Another local, Glen Cabral, also informed that a decision on the future course of action will be decided only after the meeting.

“We have already met the spiritual leaders in Old Goa for their support,” Cabral stated, informing that there are plans of holding a huge morcha in Old Goa.