MARGAO
Fears over rampant illegal waste dumping in Salcete has been confirmed after the Taluka Level Committee (TLC) unearthed several unauthorised dumping sites, including within and around the SGPDA fish market complex and along key roads leading into Margao.
The inspections, led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ganesh Barve, revealed waste dumped in the open near the meat section of the SGPDA fish market, thermocol waste strewn along the roadside near the wholesale fish market, and another illegal dump on the roadside leading to Colva.
The inspections mark the first major field exercise undertaken by the Taluka Level Committee constituted by South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus under the amended Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, to identify black spots and curb illegal waste disposal across the taluka.
Speaking to The Goan, SDM Ganesh Barve said the committee inspected four locations identified as black spots and illegal dumping sites during its first round of inspections. “When we inspected the SGPDA retail market, the team found waste dumped in the open near the meat stalls. We also noticed thermocol waste along the roadside near the wholesale fish market and another dumping site on the road leading to Colva. We have taken cognisance of these violations,” Barve said.
He added that the Taluka Level Committee is in the process of compiling its findings into a detailed report, which will be submitted to the South Goa District Level Committee for further action against the agencies or individuals responsible for the violations.
“The findings will be documented and forwarded to the District Level Committee for necessary action. These inspections will now be carried out on a regular basis in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules,” the SDM said.
Officials indicated that the illegal dumping detected during the inspection is only the beginning of what is believed to be a much larger problem across Salcete.
Sources familiar with the inspection exercise said the black spots identified so far represent only the “tip of the iceberg”, with widespread instances of indiscriminate waste disposal continuing despite repeated awareness campaigns and enforcement measures.
Sources said the Margao Municipal Council area alone has more than 30 identified black spots where garbage is routinely dumped in the open. Many of these sites are located at the entry and exit points of the commercial capital, creating an unsightly environment, posing health hazards, and undermining the city’s sanitation efforts.
The presence of waste near fish markets has also raised concerns over public health and hygiene, particularly in areas handling perishable food products. City-based social activist Miguel Fernandes has repeatedly exposed how waste is being dumped at the SGPDA open ground, where animals feast on the garbage.
The Taluka Level Committee has been constituted under the amended Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, with the mandate to identify illegal dumping sites, monitor compliance with waste management norms, recommend remedial measures and ensure that local bodies and other agencies take prompt corrective action.
Officials said the inspection drive will continue across Salcete in the coming weeks, with more black spots expected to come under the scanner as the administration intensifies efforts to curb indiscriminate waste dumping and improve overall waste management practices.
