THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho on Thursday called on sarpanchas and panchayat members to be more proactive in addressing the state's garbage crisis by stepping out of their offices and engaging directly with their communities.
He emphasised that resolving the garbage problem requires collaboration between local authorities and residents, rather than relying solely on the government.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ initiative held at Saraswat College in Mapusa, Godinho urged panchayat leaders to take the lead in making their villages cleaner.
"The days of sitting in the office are over. Sarpanchas and panchayat members need to be out in their villages, working with the people to find solutions. Authorities and citizens must cooperate to tackle the garbage menace and keep our state clean," Godinho said.
The event, which was also attended by Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, Director of Panchayats Siddhi Halarnkar, and other dignitaries, focused on cleanliness efforts across the state.
Godinho highlighted successful waste management initiatives implemented by two panchayats in his Dabolim constituency “ Bogmalo and Chicalim “ which have taken concrete steps to address garbage issues. He praised their efforts and urged other panchayats to follow suit.
"These two panchayats have shown that it is possible to manage garbage effectively. If Bogmalo and Chicalim can do it, why can't other panchayats? Proper waste management will ensure Goa remains clean and green," he added.
Godinho also mentioned the interest expressed by Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar in replicating the successful waste management practices of the Bogmalo and Chicalim panchayats in Mapusa.
"Although the MMC falls under urban development, we can collaborate and share ideas to make Mapusa the cleanest town in the state," the Minister said.
Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza echoed Godinho’s sentiments, stressing that cleanliness should be a year-round effort, not just something practiced on special occasions like Gandhi Jayanti.
"Just as we keep our homes clean, we must ensure that our surroundings, city, and state remain clean throughout the year," D’Souza said.
The event concluded with a call for greater public participation in keeping Goa garbage-free and ensuring a cleaner environment for future generations.
On the occasion, sanitation workers from various talukas were felicitated.
Colvale, Curti-Khandepar bag ‘Clean Panchayat’ prizes
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Colvale bagged the prize for Clean Panchayat from North Goa while Curti-Khandepar Panchayat won the prize for South Goa.
The Sampoorna Swachhata award 2024 went to Chicalim Panchayat. The Best BDO was awarded to Omkar N Manjrekar from Bicholim.
The winners were awarded prizes at the closing ceremony of the ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ initiative held at Saraswat College in Mapusa.
