THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Debunking the common misconception that illiterates trigger the problem of garbage, Goa Waste Management Corporation Managing Director Sanjit Rodrigues has said there is no relationship between literacy and garbage management.
Speaking at a session on waste management at MES College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar, Rodrigues said the whole issue of garbage treatment revolves around the attitude, aptitude and mindset of people.
"Indifference, apathy and rejection of these traits lead to the problem of garbage management,” said Rodrigues.
“It is a common misconception that illiterates trigger the problem of garbage. There is, however, absolutely no relationship between literacy and management of garbage.”
“Quite often, it is observed that highly literate people are worst offenders. Villagers do segregate garbage in their own way and therefore, villages of Goa are still the cleanest,” he added.
Rodrigues was speaking during an interview session conducted by Parag Rangnekar of Foundation of Environment Research and Conservation (FERC) as part of the lecture series ‘Kasturi’ at MES College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar.
‘Kasturi’ is a lecture series organised in memory of late Dr Kasturi Desai, noted Goan environmentalist and researcher. The event was organized by the Murgaon Education Society and the Nature Club of MES College in collaboration with FERC Goa.
Rodrigues also spoke of the systematic implementation of a school programme to process garbage by students of the Government High school at Gaval in Khola-Canacona, where the headmistress, teachers, students and parents are jointly implementing a garbage segregation programme.
He pointed out that teachers play a focal role in inculcating civic virtues among students and that, 408 schools have been enrolled under the Zero Waste programme, a unique initiative by the State government.
Rodrigues also emphasized that single use plastic should be completely banned.
The session, which was open to the public, witnessed a thought-provoking discussion between residents of Vasco, students and teachers of MES college. Principal of MES College Dr R B Patil highlighted the Classroom Cleanliness Programme, currently being successfully implemented by MES college since the last three years.
