the goan I network
MAPUSA
It’s slow but it’s definitely working. Calangute panchayat’s proactive and punitive action has helped in lifting almost 100 percent of segregated waste in the beach village. The ‘clean Calangute’ initiative launched by the coastal panchayat around one-and-half month ago is showing results as locals and business establishments have started handing over segregated waste to the authorities.
So far, the panchayat has issued 16 warning letters and imposed fines to seven persons in the cleanliness drive. The panchayat has collected a total of Rs 11,000 from penalties imposed to various people in the village. Fine of Rs 2000 each were issued to five commercial units and Rs 500 each for two residential houses. “The warning letters along with the fines have worked in helping get 100 percent segregated garbage. Even the business establishments are not keeping waste in the open,” said Shawn Martins, Calangute sarpanch.
Like in most other places, outstation waste is the only hitch for the authorities. “Our only challenge is people who come early in the morning and dump waste anywhere around,” Martins said.
Calangute panchayat had decided to issue fines and cancel licenses of business establishments that fail to segregate garbage or dumped waste in open spaces. The panchayat in a public notice issued in mid-August had said no garbage should be dumped or thrown in any public place, footpaths, streets, drains or sewage networks.
The panchayat had decided to impose fines as per the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996. As per the Act, a fine of Rs 200 will be issued for first offence, Rs 500 for second and Rs 5000 or imprisonment extending to one month or both, for every subsequent offence for residential houses, while for commercial establishments, a fine of Rs 2000 will be issued for first offence, Rs 5000 for second and Rs 25,000 or imprisonment which may extend to six months or both, for every subsequent offence.
