Social activist Roque Fernandes.
MARGAO
A wave of sadness swept through Benaulim following the death of social activist Roque Fernandes, popularly known as the “Garbage Warrior”.
Roque’s sudden demise came as a shock to residents, especially as he had actively participated in a large tree plantation drive organised by the Benaulim Biodiversity Management Committee in coordination with St John the Baptist Church on Wednesday evening.
Speaking to the media after the plantation programme, Roque had highlighted the need to protect the newly planted saplings with tree guards through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. He had also stressed the importance of regular watering, including the use of treated water, to ensure the saplings survived and grew well.
Widely known as the “Garbage Warrior”, Roque led efforts to stop illegal garbage dumping along the roads of Pedda-Benaulim. Along with his dedicated team, he worked tirelessly to identify and expose those responsible for littering and dumping waste in the area.
A tourist taxi operator by profession, Roque was also a strong voice for the welfare of tourist taxi operators. He regularly raised issues affecting drivers in Benaulim and across Goa.
Friends and well-wishers remembered him as a man deeply committed to keeping his village clean and protecting the environment. His dedication to community welfare and environmental conservation earned him widespread respect and admiration.
