OLD GOA
Residents of Azossim-Mandur and Neura have unearthed a clandestine operation of garbage dumping in comunidade land at Azossim and have demanded immediate action against the unknown culprits.
Led by Goa University Prof Ramrao Wagh, the villagers visited the site recently and found that huge amount of waste packed in plastic bags was dumped in abandoned quarry pits.
The villagers have now petitioned Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate, local MLA Francis Silveira, North Goa Collector, Tiswadi Mamlatdar, GSPCB, Director of Panchayats, Corlim PHC health officer, Administrator of Communidades, Agassaim PI, Azossim Communidade attorney, sarpanchas of Azossim-Mandur, Neura and Batim, and others to initiate action in the matter.
Speaking to The Goan, Wagh informed that garbage dumping is done on a daily basis with the vehicle used for the clandestine operation, using the Pilar-Neura road.
“Are panchayat authorities concerned not aware of this or are they turning a blind eye?” questioned Wagh, while demanding that immediate action be taken against the culprits responsible for the act.
“This garbage dumping is likely to contaminate the ground water as this place is located at the hilltop. Also, there is a possibility of outbreak of diseases as foul smell emanates in the area due to dumping of wet waste,” Wagh said.
Another villager, Mahendra Shirodkar, pointed out that construction of cowshed is also going on in the area and questioned whether permission for the activity is given by the panchayat authorities.
“The panchayat authorities need to come clean on the issue,” Shirodkar stated.
The villagers have now decided to up the ante over the unauthorized garbage dumping activity and are likely to hold meetings to muster public support on the issue.
Meanwhile, reliable sources informed that the Tiswadi BDO has asked the secretaries of both the Azossim-Mandur and Neura panchayats to conduct joint inspection of the site.
