Panaji: The Old Goa Panchayat has reiterated its strong opposition to the proposed Bainguinim waste management plant, warning of mass agitation if the government proceeds with the project.
Addressing the media, Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar, joined by other panchayat members and residents, emphasized that opposition to the plant has persisted since 2002. “The plant poses risks of pollution in an area surrounded by heritage sites, schools, temples, mutts, and a hospital. We do not want it,” Parvatkar stated.
Panchayat member Ambar Amonkar highlighted widespread local opposition, noting that over 90% of attendees at public hearings had rejected the proposal. He accused the government of ignoring concerns about water contamination, ecological harm, and the impact on Old Goa’s world heritage site. “The Kadamba Plateau, where the plant is proposed, is a growing residential area called ‘Upper Panaji.’ Over 3,000 people live nearby, and they will bear the brunt of the plant’s consequences,” Amonkar said.
He also pointed to discrepancies in the project’s specifications, citing a March 2024 gazette notification that alternately mentions plant capacities of 100 and 250 tonnes. “The lack of clarity and planning makes this proposal unacceptable. The government should focus on decentralised plants instead of Rs 500-crore mega projects like this,” he added.
Former sarpanch Vinayak Fadte criticized the government for approving residential complexes near the proposed site. “The housing projects, with 250–400 flats each, are almost touching the plant boundary, with no buffer zone. The government must reconsider this decision and shift the plant to Taleigao, as previously suggested,” Fadte urged.
The panchayat has submitted multiple representations to the Chief Minister, demanding the project’s cancellation. “We are ready to mobilize villagers for another protest if needed. This project will not be allowed to proceed,” Fadte declared.
