According to the report, the Navelim MLA had attributed the rising garbage problem in his constituency to large-scale dumping by migrants and tenants, prompting the move to redirect waste to the Curchorem facility.
However, the development has sparked widespread resentment among locals, who have strongly objected to the decision being taken without any consultation with residents or stakeholders of Curchorem.
Protesters gathered at the entrance of the plant, raising slogans and blocking any attempt to bring in additional waste.
Residents expressed serious concerns over the environmental and health impact of the existing plant, stating that foul odour from the facility is already affecting surrounding areas. They warned that any increase in waste intake would further deteriorate living conditions and pose a greater threat to public health.
Youth gathered at the site pointed out that the plant was originally intended to cater to waste from only four specified talukas, including Quepem, Sanguem, Sarbandor and Canacona, and alleged that the move to include areas like Navelim amounts to a breach of earlier assurances given to the people of Curchorem.
Local activist Dattaraj Desai and other speakers criticised Nilesh Cabral, accusing him of permitting the expansion despite strong opposition from residents. Protesters made it clear that Curchorem would not be allowed to become a dumping ground for garbage from other constituencies.
The agitation intensified with youth and citizens taking a firm stand at the plant gates, declaring that they would not allow any additional waste from outside the originally designated areas to be brought into the Cacora facility.
