MARGAO
Has the Margao Municipal Council got the license to dispose of the waste generated in the sprawling garden located right in front of the Municipal building?
Against the backdrop of National Green Tribunal’s order banning disposal of waste by burning, this question assumes significance given that the waste generated in the Municipal garden is disposed of by burning with impunity.
‘That’s not all. The garden waste comprising of dry leaves and items such as mixed waste, which is collected around the road sides is set afire by the sweepers almost every day, more so around the heart of the town.
In fact, a huge column of smoke was seen billowing from the Southern side of the Municipal garden, opposite the Margao post office, indicating that the workers engaged in the upkeep and maintenance of the garden are resorting to waste burning in flagrant violation of the rules in force.
That the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) had in the past issued circulars to the local bodies barring disposal of waste by burning but that doesn’t seem to have brought about a turnaround in the city till date. The hefty penalties envisaged by the Goa Pollution Board too seemed to have not come as a deterrence to the Municipal workers resorting to waste burning.
The Goan understands that waste burning is a common feature in the Margao Municipal garden as well as along the city roadsides. A Civic official underscored the need to sensitize the field workers that burning waste affects human beings. “We can see a change in the ground only if the senior officials change the hearts and minds of the field workers by explaining them the consequences of waste burning”, the official remarked.
Incidentally, waste burning is common in the commercial capital, with tons of waste disposed off along the railway tracks passing through the city.
