MAPUSA
The growing problem of uncollected waste along Calangute’s beach areas has sparked outrage among residents, with accusations that the Tourism Department is failing in its responsibility to maintain cleanliness.
Despite appointing an agency to clean various beaches in the State, the department has been criticised for its inefficiency in ensuring timely waste collection.
However, residents and local authorities claim that garbage remains unattended for prolonged periods, leading to unhygienic conditions.
Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira has openly criticised the Tourism Department for neglecting the cleanliness of the beach and has volunteered to take over the responsibility if the task is handed to him.
Sequeira specifically pointed to the area near Tito’s Lane, where the department is allegedly segregating garbage, turning it into a nuisance for nearby residents.
“The entire area is in a mess, with no proper segregation of waste. Piles of garbage are left unattended, and the stench is unbearable,” Sequeira said. “People blame the panchayat, but the reality is that the Tourism Department is responsible for this situation.”
In a decisive move, the sarpanch issued a notice to the Director of Tourism on Wednesday under the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996. The notice states that the waste segregation site at Saunta-Vaddo, Calangute, poses a health hazard and is causing severe inconvenience to tourists and residents.
“I urge the department to take immediate action within seven days. Failing this, the panchayat will take necessary steps under the provisions of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act and the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996,” Sequeira warned.
He further noted that Section 6 of the Act empowers local authorities to remove garbage at the cost of the responsible department. The panchayat issued the notice following a resolution passed by its members.
To address the garbage crisis in Calangute, the panchayat has recently purchased six large vehicles and 10 smaller ones for waste management.
“Our goal is to restore Calangute’s lost glory. My duty is to ensure cleanliness in my village,” Sequeira stated.
The beach cleaning contract was previously handled by Drishti Marine before being passed to Karnataka Commercial and Industrial Corporation (KCIC) Pvt Ltd. However, the latter struggled to manage the rising waste generated by tourists.
With the Tourism Department failing to keep Calangute’s beach areas clean, the local sarpanch has taken a firm stand, demanding immediate action to resolve the crisis. If the department fails to act, the panchayat is prepared to enforce the necessary legal measures to address the issue.
