MAPUSA
The illegal dumping of waste in open places has prompted the Mapusa civic authorities to initiate action against violators which mostly involve people from surrounding villages.
The waste dumping mostly happens in the cover of darkness.
Civic officials informed that people come in their vehicles and dump plastic bags containing waste on the roadside, particularly at some noted black spots in town.
Taking a proactive stance on the menace, Mapusa Municipal Council Chief Officer Amitesh Shirvoikar has formed a team of municipal inspectors who have been directed to catch hold of such offenders red-handed and issue them spot fines.
“So far, we have issued fines to people from neighbouring villages like Bastora and Moira. Some people from Mapusa are also involved in dumping waste in public places. We will take action against all violators. We want to pass on a clear message that dumping of waste in the open will not be tolerated,” Shirvoikar said.
While individual offenders are fined in the range of Rs 200 to Rs 500, commercial offenders are issued fines from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000.
The chief officer informed that the exercise of issuing fines was started a couple of days ago and quite a number of violators have already been fined for dumping waste in the open.
He said the municipality inspectors have been directed to keep up the pressure and book more violators.
“The inspectors will be rewarded based on their performance,” he said.
