Sonsodo Gets Goa’s First Gasification Waste Plant as CM Vows Zero Landfill

MARGAO: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Wednesday inaugurated Goa’s first 10 Tonnes Per Day (TPD) Gasification Technology Based Waste Treatment Plant at the Sonsodo dump site, Margao, marking a shift from landfill dumping to waste-to-energy conversion for South Goa.Developed by GD Environmental Pvt. Ltd. (GDEPL), the plant uses high-temperature gasification to convert non-recyclable dry waste into syngas, which can be used for thermal energy. The process drastically reduces the volume of waste, leaving only inert ash, and eliminates methane emissions and leachate associated with conventional dumping.Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sawant said the state is committed to ending Goa’s legacy waste problem. “Sonsodo has been a challenge for decades. With gasification technology, we are moving towards zero landfill. This plant will ensure that fresh waste from Margao does not add to the dump and will gradually help clear legacy waste too,” the Chief Minister said.

PWD Minister Digambar Kamat said the project is a milestone for Margao’s civic infrastructure. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai called for strict monitoring to ensure the plant runs at full capacity and urged that residents around Sonsodo finally get relief from smoke and stench.Also present were Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus, IAS, GEDA Managing Director Gaurish Shankhwalkar, GEDA Member Secretary Sanjeev Joglekar, and other dignitaries.Officials said the plant will initially process 10 TPD of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and non-recyclable dry waste collected from Margao. The Sonsodo site has faced frequent fires and public protests over pollution. The government said the gasification plant is part of a larger remediation plan for the legacy dump, which includes bio-mining and capping of old waste. GDEPL officials said the modular plant can be scaled up if feedstock increases. The project is being monitored by the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA).