MAPUSA/PANAJI
Expressing serious concerns over inadequate waste management in coastal areas, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Thursday that nearly 70 per cent of coastal panchayats have failed to effectively manage waste.
Sawant said that only 30 per cent of the coastal panchayat bodies have effective waste disposal, treatment and management system in place. “This is a serious issue. The local bodies have got enough funds under 15th Finance Commission and under Swachh Bharat Mission. However, there is a lack of utilisation,” he said.
Sawant stated that the State government would take direct oversight of waste disposal and treatment activities in these panchayats moving forward.
He highlighted the need for a more structured approach to address waste management issues, suggesting that each panchayat should appoint dedicated contractors to streamline waste handling.
“Each panchayat should have a designated shed and the contractor to be appointed must be empanelled with the Solid Waste Management department,” he said, emphasising the importance of organised, localised waste processing systems.
To support these improvements, the Chief Minister said that the collection of house tax and a separate garbage tax would become mandatory, with an additional garbage fee imposed on rented tenants.
He also directed panchayat secretaries and sarpanchas to make effective use of funds allocated through the 15th Finance Commission and the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin.
"Panchayats have been given a timeline to complete the work within two months," Sawant stated, underscoring the urgency of the waste management issue.
He further announced plans to hold a meeting with relevant departments, contractors, and stakeholders to discuss improved waste segregation practices. The Chief Minister’s remarks follow comments by Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, who on Wednesday criticised coastal panchayats for ineffective garbage management, which has led to littering and sanitation issues across North Goa’s coastal regions.
Lobo noted that, while the State government has established garbage treatment facilities in both districts, several coastal villages lack consistent on-ground waste collection efforts.
The coastal MLA also pointed out that the State’s waste management corporation, which previously included panchayat representatives in regular meetings, no longer met.
He suggested that the absence of local input has affected waste management effectiveness in several areas.
