The Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) has decided to involve private players to establish an e-waste management plant in the state. The construction of the project had commenced in December 2022 and was expected to be completed by May 2024. However, due to insufficient progress and the project becoming economically unviable, the GWMC terminated the contract with the previous contractor.
New Approach to E-Waste Management
“We are now trying to rope in private players to manage the e-waste generated in the state, and soon, we will float an expression of interest,” said Harish Adconkar, Managing Director of GWMC. Adconkar added that many private companies possess land and could be interested in setting up e-waste facilities in the state.
How the Plant Will Operate
At the plant, waste products will be dismantled and forwarded to downstream recyclers. Under the old agreement, land was allocated to the private player, and the government was supposed to send e-waste for scientific disposal. In some cases, the concessionaire will pay customers for e-waste such as refrigerators, while in other cases, the person wanting to dispose of the e-waste will pay.
The GWMC has provided 4,000 square meters of land for the plant at the Pissurlem industrial estate. The estimated cost of the project, to be constructed under a public-private partnership, is Rs 7 crore.
