THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a significant step towards sustainable waste management, Mapusa has inaugurated its first Dry Waste Collection Centre, allowing residents of Bardez to deposit segregated dry waste.
This initiative, reportedly the first of its kind in the State, is expected to encourage more local bodies to adopt similar strategies.
The facility has been set up at a cost of Rs 10 lakh and was inaugurated by Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza.
D’Souza highlighted the collaborative effort behind the initiative and its role in ensuring a cleaner city.
"The launch of this Dry Waste Collection Centre marks a significant step forward in our vision for a cleaner and more sustainable Mapusa. This initiative highlights what we can achieve when government bodies, corporations, organisations, and citizens come together with a shared sense of responsibility," he said.
Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Priya Mishal, GSPCB Chairman Mahesh Patil and other councillors were also present at the event.
D’Souza further informed that the collected waste would be sent to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) shed in Cunchelim for further processing.
He also suggested setting up similar centres in key areas with high public movement.
The project has been funded under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Mondelez International and implemented by Anubhuti Welfare Foundation for the Mapusa Municipal Council.
Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) Chairman Mahesh Patil urged residents to actively support the initiative, emphasising that mere directives would not be sufficient to ensure its success.
"Such initiatives should be replicated in other areas so that more such centres come up in the State," Patil said, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of Mondelez International, Anubhuti Foundation, and the municipal council in addressing Mapusa’s waste management challenges.
Ila Joseph from Anubhuti Foundation stated that the initiative aligns with the Plastic Lighthouse Project, which focuses on maximising resource recovery.
"Materials like plastic and paper can be recycled and brought back into circulation," she said.
The Dry Waste Collection Centre is located near the Union Pharmacy in Mapusa and is expected to play a crucial role in promoting responsible waste disposal and recycling among residents.
