MAPUSA
Goa is stepping up enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, with defaulting local bodies directed to clear garbage blackspots, improve waste infrastructure and operationalise waste-processing facilities. As many as 412 bulk waste generators (BWGs) across the State have also been brought under a formal compliance framework.
The enforcement drive includes taluka-level teams comprising SDMs, Mamlatdars, police officers and technical personnel, besides Special Cells in North Goa, South Goa and Kushavati to monitor implementation of the new rules.
The details were announced at a press conference on Thursday jointly organised by the Department of Municipal Administration, Directorate of Panchayats, Press Information Bureau and Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) at the Central Library, Panaji.
Director of Urban Development Brijesh Manerkar said the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, which came into effect on April 1, replaced the 2016 rules and placed greater emphasis on source segregation, scientific waste management, the circular economy, Extended Producer Responsibility and the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle.
A key requirement being implemented in Goa is four-way segregation at source — green for wet and biodegradable waste, blue for dry and recyclable waste, red for sanitary waste and black for special-care waste, including batteries, expired medicines and CFLs.
As of September 30, 412 BWGs had been identified across Goa — 195 in North Goa, 202 in South Goa and 15 in Kushavati. All identified generators have been registered on the CPCB portal, according to material presented at the conference.
Under the prescribed criteria, establishments with a floor area of 20,000 sq m or more, daily water consumption of 40,000 litres or more, or those generating at least 100 kg of solid waste a day fall under the BWG framework.
Manerkar said elected representatives would play a key role in ensuring source segregation and educating residents, while the government would continue awareness and behavioural-change campaigns among households, institutions and businesses.
GSPCB Member Secretary Dr Geeta Nagvenkar said directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, had been issued to defaulting local bodies, requiring action on garbage blackspots, waste infrastructure, CCTV surveillance and the operationalisation of waste-processing facilities.
The State has also reported 14 Reduce, Reuse and Recycle centres, while 262 activities had been recorded under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 as of September 30.
Awareness messages are also being carried on 30 KTC buses.
