Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) has suspended the acceptance of municipal solid waste at its Saligao Solid Waste Management Facility for 25 days from October 10, citing major maintenance requirements and unforeseen operational constraints that have affected the plant’s normal functioning and processing capacity.
In a communication dated October 9, GWMC Managing Director Harish Adconkar informed the Mapusa and Mormugao municipal councils and six village panchayats that the facility would temporarily stop receiving waste to allow maintenance and corrective work to be carried out.
The suspension puts the onus on the affected civic bodies to make alternative arrangements for the management and processing of waste generated in their jurisdictions during the shutdown. GWMC has specifically asked them to ensure that the temporary disruption does not result in waste accumulation, uncontrolled disposal or littering.
The corporation said the facility was facing major maintenance requirements along with unforeseen operational conditions that had affected its normal functioning. It said regulating waste acceptance had become necessary to ensure the safe and effective operation of the plant and avoid further operational complications or damage to equipment.
The directive applies to the Mapusa Municipal Council and Mormugao Municipal Council, as well as the village panchayats of Chimbel, Santa Cruz, Corlim, Curca, Old Goa and Merces.
GWMC said the necessary maintenance work and corrective measures would be undertaken during the 25-day period to restore normal operations. Further instructions on the resumption of waste acceptance at Saligao will be communicated after the work is completed and normal functioning is restored.
The letter, issued under reference GWMC/Tech/82/Part-3/2026-27, does not specify alternative disposal sites for the affected local bodies, leaving them to make suitable arrangements during the temporary suspension.
With waste acceptance halted at the facility, the immediate task for the concerned municipal councils and village panchayats will be to ensure continuity in waste management while preventing roadside dumping and other forms of uncontrolled disposal.
