Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Aug 14: The Goa government has announced a mandatory policy requiring all industries generating hazardous waste to sign a bi-partite agreement with Ponda Envocare Limited for the scientific disposal of their waste at the new Common Hazardous Waste Disposal Plant located in Pissurlem. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant declared that no hazardous waste will be permitted to leave the state for disposal.
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will strictly monitor waste disposal activities, with severe penalties for industries caught illegally dumping hazardous waste in public areas or water bodies, the CM warned.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Rs 125-crore state-of-the-art treatment, storage, and disposal facility, Sawant emphasized the critical importance of such infrastructure for maintaining a clean and green Goa. Developed by SMC Group through a Public-Private Partnership, the plant is designed for a 100-year lifespan and will handle solid, chemical, and various hazardous industrial wastes. The project also involves collaboration with the Goa Solid Waste Management Corporation and the Industries Department.
Sawant highlighted Goa’s commitment to systematic and scientific waste management, noting that the state’s Waste Management Corporation has earned recognition as a knowledge partner by the Union Ministry of Urban Development. The facility will responsibly manage solid waste, biomedical waste, sewage, effluent treatment plant (ETP) waste, and hazardous chemical waste.
The Chief Minister condemned industries that bypass disposal costs by illegally dumping waste in villages, drains, or water bodies, stating such practices severely harm Goa’s environment. “Industry must share responsibility with the government in protecting our environment,” he stressed.
The disposal plant employs advanced scientific landfill and incineration techniques and is envisioned as a “waste to wealth” initiative. Sawant added that with its current and future capacity, the facility may also accept hazardous waste from other states or even internationally, reinforcing Goa’s position as a leader in responsible waste management.
“Our environment is our most valuable asset,” Sawant said. “Industries must commit to minimizing and responsibly managing their hazardous waste using the world-class infrastructure now available in Goa.”