Bags containing used syringes and other hotel waste dumped at Kepemwada-Patnem in Canacona municipality.
CANACONA
There is growing anger at Kepemwada-Patnem in Canacona municipality, as hotel and medical medical waste are being dumped in their locality.
According to sources, dozens of bags containing medical waste such as used syringes and other hotel waste were noticed during an inspection by Ward Councillor Shubham Komarpant.
“The pathway at Kepemwada in Patnem ward, which leads to the beach and is traditionally used by fisherman, has been filled with garbage dumps over a long period of time,” said Komarpant.
“Going by the nature of waste dumped at the site, it appears that tourism structures in nearby localities are the culprits. But what surprised us was the medical waste, which includes thousands of used syringes and other material, which was also discarded in bags at three places,” Komarpant said.
“After going through the medical waste, we have identified the doctor and also brought this to his notice. He emphasised the urgent need to clear the dumped medical waste from the areas and the doctor concerned accepted his folly and agreed to cooperate in the matter,” he added.
Komarpant said the inspection had also revealed that efforts had been made to destroy the waste by setting it ablaze.
“The pathway leads to the beach and a temple nearby and it is the responsibility of everyone to keep the area clean. It will be disastrous if this waste is allowed to remain during the monsoons. We will also take strict action on those restaurants/shacks responsible for these waste dumps,” said Komarpant.
