Margao: A waste-management plant at SGPDA Wholesale Fish Market, conceived to process market waste and generate gas for supply to hotels and other users, was never fully developed or operationalised, a recent meeting convened by deputy collector and SDO-I, Salcete, Ganesh Barve, observed. Officials have now decided to first obtain Goa State Pollution Control Board’s (GSPCB) observations before deciding whether it can be restarted.At the meeting, after NGO United Goan Foundation sought clarity on the plant’s present status, concerns were raised about its current condition, including space for storing waste, security arrangements and the possibility of waste being dumped on and around the road. Given the size of the market and the quantity of waste likely to be generated, the feasibility of restarting the plant was decided to be examined from technical, financial, environmental and operational perspectives. A Goacan representative observed that GSPCB was the appropriate authority to give the initial technical and regulatory opinion.Sanitation and hygiene were described as among the most urgent issues, with the concerned authority asked to examine existing arrangements and take remedial measures. A safety audit was also mooted.Documents relating to the existing sopo contract, including its terms, validity and responsibilities, were decided to be examined, along with records on maintenance responsibilities for the premises. The technical department concerned has been asked to look into the foundation and water-level issue and the condition of the structure.On traffic, it was decided that transport and police departments would be consulted on temporary signage for peak hours, marking of entry and exit points and deployment of traffic marshals. Water quality standards and staff shortage were also discussed.
