
ONGC shows interest in setting up waste treatment plant at Sonsoddo
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is exploring the possibility of establishing a waste treatment plant at the Sonsoddo dump yard through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
This could potentially offer a breakthrough solution to Margao's persistent waste management crisis.
In a significant development, ONGC officials met with Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and BJP state president Damodar Naik on Thursday to discuss the proposal. Kamat revealed that ONGC is currently conducting feasibility studies at various locations, with Sonsoddo emerging as a prime consideration for the project.
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The development comes at a time when the
Sonsoddo waste management
facility grapples with severe operational challenges. The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has faced mounting criticism for its inadequate management of the site, characterised by frequent breakdowns of baling machines and inefficient waste processing systems.
Citizens for Fatorda representative Roque Mascarenhas, who previously initiated legal action through a high court petition, has in the past expressed serious concerns regarding the creation of additional waste dumps due to mismanagement at Sonsoddo.
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'Currently, all wet waste is being directed to the Cacora waste treatment plant, leaving MMC responsible solely for dry waste management. Of the daily 17 tonnes of dry waste generated, 10 tonnes are transported to Cacora, with MMC handling the remaining 7 tonnes,' Mascarenhas explained.
While MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar has maintained a defensive stance regarding the site's operations, other municipal details are yet to be disclosed.
Former chairperson Savio Coutinho criticised the current administration of the Sonsoddo site, stating, 'Despite substantial taxpayer funding allocated to waste management, the MMC continues to demonstrate a lethargic approach in managing Sonsoddo operations.
'
The site's safety concerns have also come under scrutiny, with multiple fire incidents pointing to the absence of adequate firefighting mechanisms. Local residents are advocating for the installation of comprehensive CCTV surveillance around the Sonsoddo garbage dump site.

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