Irregular garbage collection, delayed wages and mounting pressure as local bodies face financial crisis without govt support
VALPOI
While the State government continues to promote initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Nirmal Bharat, a contrasting situation is unfolding across several panchayats, especially in Sattari taluka, where waste management has become a major challenge.
The government has reportedly stopped providing funds for waste collection over the past two years, putting severe financial pressure on local panchayats. Due to the lack of funds, many panchayats are struggling to maintain regular waste collection services. This has placed heavy pressure on sarpanchs, panch members and panchayat secretaries.
In several areas, garbage collection has become irregular, as panchayats are forced to depend largely on limited house tax revenues to manage waste operations.
Poriem MLA Deviya Rane had raised this issue in the recent Assembly session, appealing to the government to release pending funds after highlighting the weak financial condition of panchayats in Sattari.
The Panchayats Minister had assured that necessary funds would be provided. However, no concrete action has been taken so far.
According to information, all 12 village panchayats in Sattari taluka are currently facing financial difficulties.
Over the past five years, none of these panchayats have received adequate development funds, affecting overall progress. The added burden of managing waste without government support has worsened the situation.
Officials from various panchayats said the stoppage of waste management funds has made it extremely difficult to continue door-to-door garbage collection.
In many cases, panchayats are unable to pay workers on time, with salaries pending for two to three months. Earlier, financial support from the Directorate of Panchayats ensured smooth waste collection and timely payment of wages. In its absence, panchayats are now struggling to manage expenses with limited local revenue.
There is a growing demand from sarpanchs, panch members and secretaries across Sattari for the immediate restoration of waste management funds.
They stress that maintaining cleanliness is essential, especially when the government is promoting missions like Swachh Bharat, Nirmal Bharat and Swayampurna Goa. Although door-to-door garbage collection continues, the lack of funds is seriously affecting its efficiency and sustainability.
