Goa to have its own hazardous waste treatment plant soon: Dy CM

Panaji, June 13 (UNI) The Goa government has identified two sites in north Goa for locating a Rs 15 crore hazardous waste treatment plant at the earliest.

Disclosing this to mediapersons here yesterday, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Wilfred de Souza in charge of S&T and Environment said a company was now undertaking ''environment inpact assessment'' for the plant.

There are about a dozen companies producing hazardous waste amounting to about 9000 tonnes per annum in Goa. According to the norm, the states should go in for a disposal plant if the waste crosses more than 20,000 tonnes but Goa would not like to wait till then, Dr De Souza said.

Meanwhile, the polluting industries were directed to take the waste away for disposal at a treatment plant in neighbouring Maharashtra which had accepted the proposal. The industries had to bear the cost of collection and disposal under the ''pollutor pays'' norm.

Referring to the dismantling of the vessel River Princes that was a ground for the last six years off Condolim beach in North Goa amid fears of pollution of the serene beaches, Dr De Souza said the Indian Registrar of Shipping had scrutinised the proposals of the three companies who responded to the tenders floated for the purpose.

They would be shortlisted after it was satisfied with the querries about the dismantling of the vessel before opening technical bids. In all likel-hood, the work should be completed by October this year, he added.

Regarding a iron-ore laden barge that drifted away at Miramar beach in the city, the minister said a private party was entrusted with the task by the barge owner for its removal so that the beach remained unspoilt.

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