Gaonkaari, Pernem, October 16: The Tuem Nagrik Samiti has strongly opposed the proposed Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Processing Facility at Survey Nos. 120 and 125 in Tuem village, Pernem, citing serious threats to public health, schoolchildren’s safety and the local environment.

In a detailed objection dated October 13, 2026, submitted to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Directorate of Science, Technology and Waste Management, and the Secretary of the department, the Samiti has demanded that all environmental clearances, establishment consents and other permissions for the proposed facility be rejected.

The Samiti pointed out that the proposed site is located approximately 200 metres from the Don Bosco School and Church complex, which is frequented daily by hundreds of students, teachers and worshippers.

While acknowledging the need for scientific waste management infrastructure, the organisation maintained that selecting a location so close to educational, religious and residential areas is unacceptable.

Serious Health Risks to Schoolchildren

The Samiti warned that crushing, grinding and screening construction debris, including concrete, bricks and mortar, could generate substantial quantities of airborne dust, including respirable crystalline silica and particulate matter such as PM2.5 and PM10.

It expressed concern that prevailing winds could carry these particles towards classrooms and playgrounds, potentially exposing children to respiratory illnesses, including asthma and other long-term health complications.

The organisation also raised concerns about noise pollution from heavy machinery, crushers and stone-breaking operations, which could disrupt classroom teaching, examinations and religious activities.

Heavy Vehicles Pose Traffic Threat

Highlighting the potential movement of trucks, dumpers and tippers transporting construction debris, the Samiti warned that narrow village roads could become hazardous for schoolchildren, pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and school buses.

It further argued that establishing an industrial-scale waste processing facility in an area characterised by educational institutions, residential settlements and agricultural surroundings could adversely affect the local environment.

The Samiti also expressed apprehensions about groundwater contamination from improperly managed runoff and questioned whether the proposed location satisfies applicable environmental safeguards and buffer-distance requirements.

Demands Joint Inspection and Relocation

The organisation has demanded an immediate joint site inspection by the GSPCB, the concerned environmental authorities and the Tuem Village Panchayat to verify the distance between the proposed facility and Don Bosco School and assess potential dust dispersion, noise and traffic impacts.

It has also called for the proposed facility to be shifted to a suitable designated industrial area, away from schools, places of worship and residential settlements.

The Samiti has requested copies of the Environmental Impact Assessment report, if prepared, or the relevant project report, along with an opportunity for a personal hearing before any final decision is taken.

Copies of the objection have also been forwarded to the North Goa Collector, Tuem Village Panchayat, Directorate of Health Services and Goa Waste Management Corporation.

The Tuem Nagrik Samiti has urged the authorities to prioritise children’s safety, public health and environmental protection over the proposed location of the waste processing facility.

The organisation has made it clear that while scientific management of construction waste is necessary, such infrastructure must not be established at the cost of the health and safety of the surrounding community.

An additional development strengthens the background to this objection: a Goa Government status report submitted to the National Green Tribunal confirms that Survey Nos. 120 and 125 at Tuem have been proposed as an alternative location for the C&D waste facility following land-related litigation at the earlier Cudchirem site.