Solid Waste Management Facility Boosting Goa's Tourism Hub

Panaji: A solid waste treatment facility operated by the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) in Saligao has become a vital asset for the coastal state's tourism belt, efficiently processing 250 tonnes of waste daily, as per a government official. 

The facility, established in 2016 and inaugurated by the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, generates 1.02 megawatts of electricity and produces 7,000 cubic meters of cooking gas each day from biodegradable waste. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to build on this initiative.

Sharad Kale, an advisor to the Goa government on solid waste management, highlighted the plant's remarkable performance in managing waste from the tourism-intensive areas of North Goa.

“The facility handles 250 tonnes of waste daily, comprising 125 metric tonnes each of dry and wet waste. Wet waste, including refuse from local restaurants and households, is treated to produce biogas and manure,” Kale explained.

The Plant Produces 20- 30 Tonnes Of Manure On Daily Basis 

In addition to electricity and gas production, the plant produces 20-30 tonnes of manure daily, distributed to nearby panchayats for gardening and afforestation projects. Around 28-30 per cent of dry waste, including plastics and glass, is recycled. Plastic bottles are shredded into fine powder for manufacturing, while glass waste is sent to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) for recycling.

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“The plant extracts at least 22 by-products from the dry waste, setting a benchmark in waste management,” Kale added, emphasizing Goa’s vision of achieving ‘zero waste.'’ Gargi Raote, head of the treatment facility, noted that the plant has been operational for eight years, working year-round. During festive seasons, it handles up to 200 tonnes of waste, processing it within 24 hours.

“The electricity generated from wet waste powers 35 units at the facility. Half of the electricity is utilized to run the plant, while the remaining is supplied to the state electricity grid,” Raote said.

This integrated waste management facility exemplifies sustainable practices in the state’s efforts to manage waste effectively while supporting its thriving tourism industry.