MARGAO
How many more inspections will it take before the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) ensures that its Mega Retail Market and the surrounding premises at the Old Market are maintained in a hygienic condition?
The question has once again come to the fore as the market continues to present an unsanitary picture despite two joint inspections carried out within a span of just one month by different government authorities. Both inspections had exposed glaring deficiencies in waste management, with officials pointing to the absence of a scientific system for the collection, segregation and disposal of the large volume of waste generated daily at the market.
However, a visit to the market complex on Wednesday has revealed that little appears to have changed on the ground.
The PDA parking lot adjoining the public toilet block has virtually turned into an open dumping site, with heaps of market waste strewn across the area. The sight of garbage has not only become an eyesore but has also raised serious public health concerns.
The unhygienic conditions have attracted stray dogs, which were seen rummaging through the waste in search of food. Bundles of garbage remained dumped in the open, emitting foul odour and creating an unpleasant environment for vendors, shoppers and citizens.
The continued dumping of waste in the parking area raises questions over whether the SGPDA has implemented any effective mechanism for the internal collection and handling of waste generated within the market premises. The prevailing conditions suggest that waste continues to find its way to the open space, from where it is eventually collected by the Margao Municipal Council.
The situation assumes significance in the backdrop of the ongoing concerns expressed by various authorities over the state of sanitation at the market. Despite repeated inspection and observations, the lack of visible improvement has sparked criticism over the apparent failure to implement corrective measures.
The issue had also led to a public disagreement a couple of months ago between the SGPDA and the Margao Municipal Council over the responsibility for handling market waste. While the municipality had maintained that waste should be scientifically collected and handed over at designated collection points, the SGPDA was expected to ensure proper internal waste management before transferring it to the civic body for transportation and disposal.
The present state of affairs indicates that the system envisaged for waste collection within the market has either not been put in place or is not functioning effectively. The open dumping of waste on SGPDA premises not only undermines sanitation standards but also tarnishes the image of one of South Goa's busiest retail markets.
With repeated inspections failing to bring about any visible change, vendors and members of the public are now questioning whether stronger enforcement and sustained monitoring are required to ensure that the market is maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.
First inspection
Observations made after the Joint inspection of the SGPDA Retail Fish Market was conducted by a team headed by The Chairman of the Consumer Conciliation Committee, Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Panaji and also included representatives of SGPDA, UHC Margao, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Margao Municipal Engineer, PWD Engineer, NGO GOACAN held on June 17, 2026.
*The premises of the retail fish market and its surrounding areas were not maintained in a satisfactory sanitary condition.
*The sanitation issues raised therein mostly pertained to the improper handling of garbage, fish waste, and other waste materials found strewn at several locations within and around the market premises.
*Regular cleaning and proper waste management measures were not being undertaken adequately. SGPDA itself is the agency responsible for looking after these functions of the market complex.
*Effluent generated from fish handling and related activities was seeping out of the market premises into nearby drains.
*Some of the drains were found to be choked and polluted. The market does not appear to have an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for treatment and proper disposal of wastewater generated from market activities.
*Water stagnation was noticed at a few locations around the market premises. However, no mosquito breeding was detected at the time of inspection.
Second inspection
The second inspection carried out by the Taluka Level Team headed by Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao Ganesh Barve earlier this month had also come across waste dumping near the meat stalls, besides unhygienic sites inside the retail market.
The Taluka Level Team, constituted under the Solid Waste management Rules, 2026, had compiled the inspection report and was scheduled to submit the same to the District Level Committee headed by the district Collector, Egna Cleetus for further action as per the law in force.
Nothing much has changed on the ground, raising questions over the efficacy of the amended Solid waste management rules, 2026.
