MAPUSA
Despite repeated assurances to address the deteriorating infrastructure in Mapusa, including the repair of battered roads and the fixing of fading streetlights ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, a more pressing issue continues to plague the town: the persistent eruption of garbage dumps at various locations.
These unsightly “black spots” have become a significant source of frustration for both residents and the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC). Despite efforts by the civic body to maintain a door-to-door garbage collection service, the problem of illegal waste dumping has spiraled out of control, leading to widespread discontent among locals.
Residents have expressed their dismay at the continuing issue, which has marred the town’s image and created public health concerns.
“People continue to dump all kinds of waste, creating a foul smell and giving the city an unsightly appearance. It’s difficult to walk past these areas without covering your nose. The stench is unbearable,” said Aparna Naik, a resident of Angod, Mapusa.
She pointed specifically to the area near the old Asilo, a notorious dumping site that has been a perennial problem.
The frequency and volume of waste being dumped at these black spots are alarming.
Areas such as Khorlim, Peddem, Duler, and Angod are particularly affected, with new heaps of waste appearing almost immediately after the MMC clears them. This vicious cycle has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the council’s waste management strategies.
“It is quite disgusting to see black spots all over town. It clearly shows that the civic authorities have miserably failed to fix the issue,” commented Prakash Naik of Khorlim.
His sentiment echoes the growing disillusionment among residents who feel that their concerns are being ignored.
Even members of the ruling group within the council have conceded that the situation is out of hand. One councillor, speaking on the condition of anonymity, admitted, “A number of black spots have reappeared in different parts of Mapusa. Garden waste dumped in open places is not collected for days, sometimes even months. This reflects poorly on the service provided by the civic body.”
The councillor further criticised the MMC for failing to deliver on its promises despite collecting taxes from residents. The persistence of the black spots is seen as a clear indication of the council’s inability to enforce waste management regulations and discourage open dumping.
The ongoing issue not only undermines the quality of life in Mapusa but also raises serious concerns about the civic body’s capacity to handle essential public services.
As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, the town faces an uphill battle to regain the trust of its residents, who are increasingly losing faith in the MMC’s ability to manage their town effectively.
