Plastic waste strewn across the sprawling grounds of Bodgeshwar Temple in Mapusa mars the scenic beauty and raises serious environmental concerns.
MAPUSA
Just days ago, a large number of devotees from near and far, including prominent politicians, gathered at the renowned Bodgeshwar Temple in Mapusa to celebrate its grand festival with great devotion and splendour.
However, 15 days after the festivities concluded, the once-sacred grounds surrounding the temple have become a stark reminder of environmental neglect, marred by heaps of plastic waste and discarded litter.
The vibrant open fields, where devotees once gathered in devotion, now stand marred by mounds of plastic waste. Days after the conclusion of the temple’s annual festival, the area remains choked with discarded plastic, with local authorities and temple management struggling to stem the growing crisis.
Turned into wasteland
As the wind lifts the remnants of plastic bags, wrappers and disposable plates, the waste from the festival finds its way into nearby neighbourhoods, raising alarms among residents and environmentalists alike.
What was once a sacred space of reflection and prayer has now become an eyesore, its serenity stolen by the relentless tide of waste.
“It is heartbreaking to see such a holy place covered in plastic. We come here to seek blessings, but now all we see is garbage piling up,” said Rajesh Naik, a regular devotee.
Local residents echo this sentiment, concerned about the broader environmental repercussions.
“The wind is blowing this waste into our neighbourhood. It’s clogging drains and creating a mess everywhere. If no action is taken soon, this problem will only worsen,” Reshma Divkar, a nearby resident, lamented.
Authorities on defensive
In response to mounting criticism, Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“We recently carried out a clean-up drive along with NGOs and school students and collected 14 tonnes of waste from the area. However, we understand that more needs to be done. We are planning to introduce stricter regulations on waste disposal during such events and ensure that a waste collection mechanism is in place,” she assured.
Despite these efforts, the visible accumulation of waste underscores the inadequacy of current clean-up initiatives.
Locals have urged the municipal body to enforce stringent waste disposal regulations, particularly during large gatherings and festivals.
Temple committee vows improvement
Facing increasing public scrutiny, the Bodgeshwar temple committee has pledged to address the issue proactively.
“We understand the concerns of the devotees and the residents. The festival attracts thousands of people, and managing waste effectively is a challenge. We collaborate with the civic body to ensure proper waste management during the event. We will take the matter up with the civic body,” a member of the temple committee said, on condition of anonymity.
Seeking sustainable solutions
Environmentalists and community leaders alike are advocating for sustainable practices to prevent such occurrences.
Proposed measures include banning plastic bags within temple premises, installing designated waste disposal bins, and launching awareness campaigns on responsible waste management.
As the discarded plastic continues to stain the sacred grounds, the call for immediate and effective intervention grows louder.
The fate of Bodgeshwar Temple’s sanctity now hinges on whether authorities and temple management can rise to the challenge or allow the site to remain submerged in waste.
For the devotees and residents of Mapusa, the hope remains that their cherished temple will soon be restored to its rightful state – untarnished and revered.
