Govt asks panchayats to explore cluster material recovery facilities

Panaji: State govt has asked panchayats to explore cluster-based material recovery facilities (MRFs) if they are unable to identify land for dry waste disposal units within their jurisdictions. Goa has 191 village panchayats. While most have permanent or temporary MRFs, some still lack facilities for dry waste.

Govt has directed all block development officers (BDOs) to submit a detailed report on operational and non-operational MRFs to help make all the units functional and strengthen decentralised waste management.

Director of panchayats Mahadev Araundekar has sought reports from BDOs, requiring clear justification for MRFs that are temporary or non-operational.

“In such a case, where the panchayat has a temporary MRF or has not constructed a permanent MRF, or the MRF was under construction at the time of inspection, but now the status of MRF as per the BDO is changed to permanent and operational, the BDO may propose follow-up joint re-inspections of these facilities to be scheduled and conducted with Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) officials. A joint proposal to be sent by directorate of panchayats (DoP) for all talukas to be forwarded to GSPCB for necessary action,” Araundekar said.

He added that for panchayats without permanent MRFs, BDOs, in coordination with panchayat secretaries, must identify land and shortlist multiple site options.

“Once the prospective sites are identified, the details must be officially conveyed to the district magistrates (collectors). Cluster approach may also be explored by BDOs. The DoP has requested GSPCB to organise and conduct taluka-level,” he said.

Araundekar further said that, as the regulatory authority, GSPCB will continue inspections and direct corrective measures where required.

BDOs also pointed out that panchayats must submit land ownership documents while applying for authorisation. However, in several cases, MRFs have been set up on the basis of irrevocable no objection certificates from landowners, with construction funded by state or panchayats.

The director urged GSPCB to consider such NOCs as proof of land possession, noting that once funds are used, the land effectively vests with govt as per provisions.
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