New gasification tech waste plant at Margao

Panaji: State capital Panaji recorded its hottest day of the summer season so far on Thursday, with the maximum temperature of 35.3°C, yet the “feels like” temperature surged to a scorching 47°C. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the “feels like” temperature, which factors in humidity, had not exceeded 43°C this season, until now. The development follows the IMD’s issuance of a yellow alert for April 23, warning of heat and humidity across Goa. As per IMD classification, a yellow alert in summer signifies a “Heat Alert,” indicating heatwave-like conditions that may persist for up to two days.

While conditions are oppressive, they do not yet meet the technical threshold for a declared heatwave in Goa. IMD criteria specify that a heatwave is declared when the departure from normal maximum temperature is 4.5°C or more and the actual maximum temperature reaches at least 37°C.

The IMD has forecast a slight shift in weather conditions over the next two days, offering partial relief. On April 24, isolated light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers are expected during late afternoon or evening hours over Goa. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph are also likely at isolated locations. Despite this, hot and humid conditions are expected to persist in pockets.

Similar conditions are forecast for April 25, with isolated light rainfall or thundershowers in the late afternoon or evening. Hot and humid weather will continue, and no significant change in maximum or minimum temperatures is anticipated.

Residents have been advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours.

Weather observations recorded on Thursday indicate above-normal daytime temperatures, with humidity levels remaining high. Panaji's maximum temperature reached 35.3°C, which is 1.7°C above the seasonal average, while the minimum temperature was 26.5°C. Relative humidity was recorded at 69%. At Mormugao, maximum temperature climbed to 34.8°C, registering a 1.5°C departure above normal, however, the minimum temperature dipped slightly below average at 25.6°C, which is 1°C lower than usual. Humidity levels in Mormugao were elevated, recorded at 89% — a notable 13% above normal.

Margao: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday inaugurated the 10-tonne-per-day gasification technology-based waste treatment plant at Sonsoddo, Margao, asserting that all municipalities in the state must eventually become swayampurna in managing their own waste.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sawant said govt and private sector together invested over Rs 1,000 crore in waste management infrastructure in recent years, spanning hazardous waste, industrial waste, biomedical waste, sewage treatment plants (STPs) and effluent treatment plants (ETPs).

Reacting to a jibe by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who spoke earlier at the event, Sawant acknowledged that the Margao Municipal Council may not be swayampurna in waste management at present, but said it would have to be. “At least all municipalities should treat their own waste,” he said, adding that waste disposal activities would eventually be brought under one roof as govt works towards a clean and green Goa “on mission mode”.

The chief minister also appealed to citizens to stop littering. “People flinging waste-filled carry bags in the open or into water bodies should understand that they are harming themselves by doing so, as the stench and smell of garbage thrown outside will cause nuisance to them as well. Please stop that — hand over all that you need to throw out to the waste collectors of your panchayats and municipalities,” he said.

Sardesai, meanwhile, expressed reservations about the gasification technology.

“The technology used is an advanced form of incineration. It doesn’t treat wet waste, but makes it dry and then burns it. The air quality index of Goa is on the decline as everywhere garbage is being burnt,” Sardesai said.

What ideally should have been set up at Sonsodo, Sardesai added, is a 15-tonne-per-day biomethanation plant, as per the high court’s order in the Sonsodo case.

Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Laurenco, Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuyekar, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus, were among those present on the occasion.
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