MAPUSA
In a bid to combat the persistent issue of illegal waste dumping along roadsides and open spaces, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has revived its beautification initiative aimed at curbing the practice.
Despite repeated warnings and public notices, some residents continue to flout waste disposal rules, leaving garbage in public areas, frustrating both authorities and concerned citizens.
Over the years, the MMC has taken several steps to manage waste in the town, but the council now believes that beautifying previously garbage-ridden “black spots” is an effective way to deter illegal dumping.
The strategy, which the civic body initially launched five years ago with considerable success, focuses on turning unsightly waste dumps into aesthetically appealing areas.
Beautification as deterrent
Under the rejuvenated programme, the MMC has transformed numerous black spots by installing flower pots, planting grass lawns and paving previously neglected areas.
The aim is not just to make these areas look beautiful but to discourage people from dumping waste irresponsibly.
“It’s difficult to walk past these areas when garbage is strewn around. But now, with these flower pots and the clean surroundings, it looks like a park,”said Maria Fernandes, a local resident of Mapusa.
“I hope people now understand the value of keeping the town clean. The council has done its part and it’s our responsibility to maintain it,” she added.
Other residents echoed similar sentiments, praising the efforts of the civic body to maintain cleanliness in Mapusa. “Earlier, people would just throw their garbage here without thinking twice. Now, the place looks so much better. You wouldn’t want to litter in such a beautiful spot,”said Rajesh Naik, a shop owner in one of the revamped areas.
The transformation in several locations has been dramatic.
Previously dismal patches of land, littered with plastic bags, discarded food waste and other trash, have been transformed into clean, chic spaces with a vibrant atmosphere.
In some spots, flower pots have been placed strategically, while in others, lawns have been laid to create small green spaces. Some areas have even been paved to enhance the aesthetics further.
In other locations, the addition of decorative plants and clean pavers has made the spots so visually appealing that residents now pause to admire the view.
Ongoing struggle
However, the MMC is aware that beautification alone will not solve the problem. While these initiatives have succeeded in some areas, there are concerns about the longevity of these efforts, especially if citizens do not take greater responsibility for waste management.
The MMC has also increased surveillance in areas prone to illegal dumping and imposed stricter penalties for those caught in the act. However, they believe that a change in mindset is equally important.
Call for civic responsibility
The council urges citizens to join hands in maintaining the cleanliness of the town and to report any illegal dumping.
“A beautiful town is the pride of its people and we need the support of the community to keep it that way,” MMC Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar said.
