Old Goa Panchayat Demands Scrapping of Bainguinim Waste Mgmt Plant

24 Jan 2025 CW Team

The Old Goa Panchayat has called for the cancellation of the proposed waste management facility at Bainguinim, warning of potential protests if the government proceeds with the plan.

At a press conference, Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar, joined by other Panchayat members and concerned citizens, reiterated their opposition to the plant, which has been a source of dissent since 2002.

“We have been against the plant since 2002. This area is home to the world heritage site of Old Goa, which includes churches, temples, mutts, schools, and a hospital. We are concerned that the plant could result in pollution,” Parvatkar said.

Panchayat member Ambar Amonkar added that over 90% of people who attended public hearings were opposed to the proposal. He also stated that local MLA Rajesh Faldessai remains firm in his stance despite pressure from his party.

“The proposed site at Kadamba plateau, often referred to as Upper Panaji, is part of a rapidly developing area. Placing the plant here risks water contamination, harm to heritage sites, and the destruction of eco-sensitive zones,” Amonkar explained.

He also pointed out discrepancies in a government gazette notification from March 2024. “The proposed plant’s capacity is unclear. One page mentions a 100-tonne facility, while another suggests 250 tonnes. This ambiguity, along with the residential area near the site, calls for the plan to be scrapped,” he said.

Former sarpanch Vinayak Fadte, a four-time Panchayat member, stressed that the site was already contested before he joined the Panchayat. “The government approved multiple housing projects in the vicinity, and now there is little buffer between the residential complexes and the proposed plant,” he said.

He proposed relocating the plant to Taleigao, a site previously suggested by the concerned minister. “We have written to the Chief Minister several times about this. We will not allow the plant to be built here, and if necessary, we will take to the streets again,” Fadte affirmed.

The Old Goa Panchayat has called for the cancellation of the proposed waste management facility at Bainguinim, warning of potential protests if the government proceeds with the plan. At a press conference, Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar, joined by other Panchayat members and concerned citizens, reiterated their opposition to the plant, which has been a source of dissent since 2002. “We have been against the plant since 2002. This area is home to the world heritage site of Old Goa, which includes churches, temples, mutts, schools, and a hospital. We are concerned that the plant could result in pollution,” Parvatkar said. Panchayat member Ambar Amonkar added that over 90% of people who attended public hearings were opposed to the proposal. He also stated that local MLA Rajesh Faldessai remains firm in his stance despite pressure from his party. “The proposed site at Kadamba plateau, often referred to as Upper Panaji, is part of a rapidly developing area. Placing the plant here risks water contamination, harm to heritage sites, and the destruction of eco-sensitive zones,” Amonkar explained. He also pointed out discrepancies in a government gazette notification from March 2024. “The proposed plant’s capacity is unclear. One page mentions a 100-tonne facility, while another suggests 250 tonnes. This ambiguity, along with the residential area near the site, calls for the plan to be scrapped,” he said. Former sarpanch Vinayak Fadte, a four-time Panchayat member, stressed that the site was already contested before he joined the Panchayat. “The government approved multiple housing projects in the vicinity, and now there is little buffer between the residential complexes and the proposed plant,” he said. He proposed relocating the plant to Taleigao, a site previously suggested by the concerned minister. “We have written to the Chief Minister several times about this. We will not allow the plant to be built here, and if necessary, we will take to the streets again,” Fadte affirmed.

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

KEC Secures Rs 10, 380 Mn Substation Order in Saudi Arabia

KEC International Ltd., a global infrastructure EPC major, and an RPG Group company, has secured a new order worth Rs 10,380 million for the Design, Supply and Installation of a 380 kV GIS Substation in Saudi Arabia.Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd., commented, “We are delighted with the successive order wins in our T&D business. In a landmark achievement, we have secured our largest ever substation order. This prestigious order in the Middle East has widened our portfolio and strengthened our presence in the region. With this strategic win, our year-to-date or..

Infrastructure Urban

22 Oct 2025

Central Bank of India executes first fully digital SCF deal on PSB Xchange

In a major advancement for India’s banking sector, Central Bank of India (CBI) has successfully completed the country’s first fully digital supply chain finance (SCF) transaction on PSB Xchange—a unified multi-lender platform launched by PSB Alliance. PSB Xchange is designed to connect public and private sector banks, NBFCs, and fintechs with corporates and their channel partners to facilitate supply chain finance and small business loans. The transaction marks the first time a fintech-originated corporate lead has been seamlessly processed through the PSB Xchange ecosystem. The lead fl..

Infrastructure Energy

22 Oct 2025

Atlanta Electricals secures Rs 1,835 Mn transformer order from BNC Power

Atlanta Electricals Limited (“Atlanta”) has secured an order worth Rs 1,835 million from BNC Power Projects Ltd for the supply of extra high voltage (EHV) transformers and a bus reactor for its Pugal site. The contract includes a mix of 315 MVA, 400 KV and 100 MVA, 132 KV transformers along with a 400 KV bus reactor. The project scope encompasses design, manufacturing, testing, and supply to the project site. Deliveries will be sequenced following engineering and drawing approvals, offering multi-quarter execution visibility and ensuring a steady production run-rate. The order will be ex..