PANAJI
The State has received only one online bid for setting up a treatment plant at Sonsodo, a project that continues to face delays. Minister for Urban Development Vishwajit Rane has, however, stated that the decision to set up the plant will be taken up at the next High Powered Coordination Committee (HPCC) meeting.
Rane informed the Assembly that only M/s GD Environmental Pvt Ltd from Pune participated in the online EOI.
“The matter of setting up the plant at Sonsodo will be decided in the next High Powered Coordination Committee meeting,” he said, adding that the treatment facility will be used for waste generated within the jurisdiction of the Margao Municipal Council.
The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) invited an Expression of Interest-cum-tender on behalf of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) to select an eligible firm or agency to design, supply, install, test and commission a technology-based waste disposal system for municipal solid waste treatment at Sonsodo. The project includes a five-year Comprehensive Operation and Maintenance contract (CMC).
The Bombay High Court at Goa, on April 12, 2024, directed the HPCC to meet and make decisions on various issues concerning Sonsodo, including the setting up of a 15TPD Bio-Methanation plant and the repair of various equipment at the site. The HPCC is yet to convene a meeting.
The minister further informed that the MMC, in a letter dated June 25, 2024, requested the Additional Secretary, Office of the Chief Minister, to set a date for the next HPCC meeting.
In a previous meeting on May 22, 2023, the HPCC decided that the MMC should set up a 15 TPD plant using the latest technology for wet waste disposal at Sonsodo, in consultation with the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) and the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA).
Subsequently, in a meeting held on June 23, 2023, the MMC resolved to set up a 15 TPD plant for wet waste disposal and a 15 TPD plant for dry waste disposal at Sonsodo, to be undertaken by GWMC in consultation with GSUDA. The Council requested GWMC to initiate the process of setting up the waste treatment and disposal plant. An EOI was published for estimation purposes for setting up the 15TPD Bio-Methanation Plant at Sonsodo, with a project cost of approximately Rs 17.06 crore and requiring an area of 15,000 sq mt.
“GWMC has informed that they will begin the tendering process once administrative and financial approval is granted by the MMC. The process will take at least 24 months to complete the tendering and set up the Bio-Methanation plant at Sonsodo,” Rane said.
The GEDA also floated a tender to set up a 10TPD pilot project for a Plasma Gasification Plant based on RDF to generate electricity at the Sonsodo garbage treatment plant. The decision on this will be made in the next HPCC meeting. The approximate cost for setting up the facility is Rs 3.75 crore, excluding 18 per cent GST. The five-year Operation & Maintenance cost will be indicated separately by the bidder with the total cost for setting up this facility borne by the MMC.
