the goan I network
MARGAO
In an apparent bid intended to deter disposal of waste at open places, including roadsides and black spots, the Margao Municipal Council on Wednesday launched the ambitious garbage sentinel scheme on the lines of the traffic sentinel scheme.
Any person under this scheme can report illegal disposal of garbage by sending a photo or video clip of violation on WhatsApp No 8390208406.
While the sentinel can walk away with a cash reward of Rs 1000 for reporting an offence to the civic body on the dedicated WhatsApp number, the offender will be liable to pay a fine of Rs 5000 for the offence. Unlike the traffic sentinel scheme, the garbage scheme does not mandate any sentinel to register with the civic body and there’s no age bar. And, the sentinel can be from any place, need not necessarily be a resident of Margao.
As far as the offender is concerned, he or she is not only liable to pay a fine of Rs 5000, but the photos or video clip showing his act of illegally disposing of the waste in the city will be uploaded on the MMC website and facebook.
Acting Margao Municipal Council Chairperson Tito Cardozo told the media that the garbage sentinel scheme is innovative in the sense that it empowers the general public to participate in the better management of the solid waste management.
“Any person can send a photo or a video clip on the dedicated WhatsApp number. The sentinel has to provide his name, address, age, time and place of the offense on a small video”, Tito said.
Chief Officer Sidhivinayak Naik said the avowed objective behind the scheme is to work out a solution
to the waste problem plaguing the city.
“The garbage sentinel scheme is not restricted only to the black spots or the transfer stations. Anyone throwing waste at unauthorized spots, even outside their house, can be hauled up under this scheme,” he said, while seeking cooperation from the city fathers and the public at large in the interest of the city.
“We have tried to keep the scheme as simple as possible. Though it looks similar to the traffic sentinel scheme, we have simplified it. The offender or the registration number of his vehicle should be clear on the video clip and enough for the civic body to crack a whip against the offenders,” he warned.
The sentinels will receive their cash reward after a month either through cheque or via ECS .
While the Chief Minister assured to maintain the secrecy of the sentinel, he, however, said in case any violator challenges the violation recorded and reported by the garbage sentinel, the court may require the garbage sentinel to testify before if for the violation so reported.
