MARGAO
Model Margao, an initiative led by Yogiraj Digambar Kamat, has continued its commitment to a cleaner, greener and more responsible Margao through a series of eco-conscious initiatives during the festive season.
At the heart of this effort is the Nirmal Nirmalya initiative, which has been successfully carried out for the past three years. During the holy month of Shravan, Model Margao has worked with temples across Margao to encourage the respectful and responsible collection of nirmalya—flowers, leaves and other sacred offerings.
The initiative ensures that religious offerings are not discarded into drains or water bodies but are instead scientifically processed at a composting facility at the Zonal Agriculture Office premises in Margao, managed by AlterEnergyZ.
Special emphasis is being placed on creating awareness against the use of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. Through its “Say No to POP” campaign, Model Margao is appealing to citizens to choose eco-friendly idols.
POP idols do not dissolve easily, pollute water bodies and can release harmful chemicals from paints. They also take years to break down, causing long-term environmental damage.
Model Margao will undertake inspections of water bodies across Margao after the 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Any remaining POP idols or remnants found in water bodies will be removed as part of a clean-up drive. The collected POP idols will then be handed over to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for scientific disposal.
The effort reinforces the belief that awareness must be accompanied by responsible action.
