Blocked drains, rotting waste leaves locals worried
MONSOON CONCERN: Illegal garbage dumped in the open at a secluded spot near Gavar, Nachinola, has sparked concern among residents over possible health hazards.
MAPUSA
As the monsoon approaches, isolated roadside stretches in villages are once again becoming dumping grounds for illegal waste disposal, raising concerns over public health and environmental safety. A recent case near the Gavar power sub-station at Nachinola has highlighted how secluded areas continue to attract garbage dumping despite regular waste collection services being available in panchayats.
Residents, local representatives and environmental activists visited the site on Saturday after complaints about worsening conditions. The inspection was attended by Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, members of the Nachinola Panchayat and villagers.
Locals said the area has become difficult to pass due to the foul smell from decomposing wet waste, discarded food and household garbage. Several bags were found infested with worms and maggots, showing that the waste had been lying there for days.
Carona resident Salvador Fernandes said most of the waste was organic and could easily have been composted at home instead of being dumped along the roadside. He said careless disposal was creating unhealthy conditions for residents.
Villagers believe secluded roads connecting neighbouring villages are being misused by people trying to avoid proper waste disposal procedures. The road near the sub-station, linking Bicholim, Mayem and Aldona, has reportedly become one such hotspot.
Residents pointed out that most panchayats already provide door-to-door garbage collection and segregation facilities, yet some people continue dumping mixed waste in open areas. Environmental activists also warned against garbage being thrown into drains, saying blocked channels could cause flooding and contamination during the monsoon.
Environmental activist Natasha Parekh said waste clogging the drains could spread into fields and nearby residential areas once heavy rains begin. Nachinola Sarpanch Laxman Kerkar said the area had been cleaned several times earlier, but fresh dumping continues, stressing the need for stricter monitoring and greater public cooperation.
Illegal dumpers to be exposed on social media: MLA
MAPUSA: : Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira condemned the repeated dumping of garbage along roadsides, warning that it could trigger health issues during the monsoon. He said CCTV cameras installed earlier to monitor the area had been damaged, forcing authorities to consider stricter action.
Ferreira announced that those caught illegally dumping waste would face a “name and shame” campaign, with their photographs shared on social media. He also said the Goa Waste Management Corporation had been contacted to clear the affected site and nearby interior areas before the rains begin.
