News
Goa: ₹15 Crore Hazardous Waste Disposal Plan Awaits Approval
A disposal plan for over 50,000 metric tonnes of hazardous waste at the Cuncolim Industrial Development Corporation estate is stalled. The ₹15-crore project awaits state approval, according to official documents.
The waste originated from Sunrise Zinc Limited, which stopped operations in 2007, following High Court orders. In 2008, the State Bank of India's Stressed Asset Management Branch took possession of the company assets. The National Green Tribunal ruled in 2014 that the SBI would not be financially responsible for disposal, directing the GSPCB to take action. The Goa State Pollution Control Board requested disposal through the Goa Waste Management Corporation and sought funding from the Union Ministry of Environment. The GSPCB has submitted a ₹15 crore quotation from Ponda Envocare Limited for waste transportation and disposal.
Key Facts
- Over 50,000 metric tonnes of hazardous waste remains at the Cuncolim Industrial Development Corporation estate.
- Sunrise Zinc Limited ceased operations in 2007.
- The National Green Tribunal absolved SBI of financial responsibility for waste disposal in 2014.
- GSPCB has spent ₹25,000 annually for the past five years to cover the dump with tarpaulin.
- GSPCB has transferred ₹2 crore from its Polluter Pays fund to GWMC for disposal costs.
- The Goa State Pollution Control Board has been covering the hazardous dump with tarpaulin sheets each monsoon.
- A ₹15 crore disposal quotation has been submitted by Ponda Envocare Limited.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- The Times of India — Rs 15 crore Cuncolim hazardous waste disposal plan stalled | Goa News - The Times of India
- The Times of India — Eid celebrated with joy and warmth in Ranchi | Ranchi News - The Times of India