Massive Hazardous Waste Pile in Goa Remains Untouched for Years
In a concerning environmental situation, over 50,000 metric tonnes of hazardous waste continue to lie untouched at the Cuncolim Industrial Development Corporation estate in Margao, Goa. This legacy material originates from Sunrise Zinc Limited, a company that ceased operations back in 2007 following high court directions.
Decade-Long Disposal Delay and Financial Complexities
Official documents reveal that a comprehensive Rs 15 crore disposal plan has been prepared but remains in limbo, awaiting state government approval. The waste management saga involves multiple stakeholders and legal complexities that have contributed to the prolonged delay.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a significant order on December 11, 2014, ruling that the State Bank of India would bear no further financial liability for the waste's disposal. This came after SBI's Stressed Asset Management Branch took possession of the company's assets under the SARFAESI Act in 2008. Instead, the tribunal directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to take immediate steps toward resolving the hazardous situation.
Current Disposal Plan and Funding Challenges
The GSPCB has proposed disposal through the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) and has forwarded a detailed quotation of Rs 15 crore from M/s Ponda Envocare Limited, Pissurlem. This company serves as Goa's designated Common Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (CHWTSDF) and would handle both transportation and proper disposal of the massive waste accumulation.
To support this initiative, the GSPCB has sought 90% funding from the Union Ministry of Environment under the Environmental Relief Fund. While the state government made provisions in the 2025-26 budget for this project, final approval remains pending, keeping the entire disposal operation on hold indefinitely.
Temporary Measures and Financial Commitments
As an interim solution, the GSPCB has implemented annual protective measures during monsoon seasons. Each year, the hazardous dump is covered with tarpaulin sheets to prevent leaching into surrounding water bodies. This temporary protection has cost the board nearly Rs 25,000 over the past five years alone.
Additionally, the GSPCB has demonstrated financial commitment by transferring Rs 2 crore from its Polluter Pays fund to GWMC toward eventual disposal costs. Despite these efforts and financial allocations, the hazardous waste continues to occupy the Cuncolim site, creating ongoing environmental concerns for the region.
Environmental Implications and Community Impact
The persistence of this hazardous waste accumulation represents significant environmental risks, particularly during monsoon seasons when leaching potential increases. The temporary tarpaulin covers provide only basic protection against contamination of nearby water sources and soil.
This situation highlights the challenges of managing industrial waste from defunct companies and the complex interplay between regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and government agencies in addressing environmental hazards. A decade has passed since the NGT's directive for immediate action, yet the waste remains at the site, underscoring the difficulties in implementing comprehensive environmental cleanup operations.
