MAPUSA
A recent decision by the Moira panchayat to increase the garbage tax by 600 per cent has sparked widespread discontent among villagers.
The panchayat raised the annual garbage collection fee from Rs 100 to Rs 720, a move that has caught many residents by surprise, particularly given the irregularity of garbage collection services in the area.
Villagers have expressed frustration, noting that many residents manage their own waste disposal in their backyards due to the inconsistency of the panchayat's services. The retrospective application of the new fee has further aggravated the situation, with residents being asked to pay the increased amount for the previous year.
One villager, unaware of the hike, was shocked when asked to pay an additional Rs 720 in garbage tax while settling his house tax.
“The panchayat has increased the garbage tax on their own without informing the villagers. Normally, any issue of importance is taken up in gram sabhas, but no such discussion was held on the increase of garbage tax. This is not done. We will demand an explanation from them at the next gram sabha,” said Julia D’Souza, a resident of Bambordem, Moira.
Criticism has also been directed at the lack of transparency and communication from the panchayat. Several residents argue that the tax hike was implemented without proper consultation or approval from the community.
Adding to their grievances, villagers have highlighted the erratic nature of garbage collection. They report that the designated waste collector often fails to show up for weeks, and there is no established door-to-door collection system. Instead, waste collection occurs only twice a week in some wards, causing inconvenience and hygiene issues for the residents.
Moira Sarpanch Sagar Naik confirmed the tax increase, explaining that it was set according to government regulations, which allow for a monthly charge of Rs 60 per household.
Naik also defended the panchayat's efforts, claiming that door-to-door garbage collection is being conducted in segregated form — wet and dry waste — which is then sent to the Saligao garbage plant for treatment. He acknowledged the recent cessation of government grants for garbage collection, which had previously subsidised the service.
In response to the villagers' concerns, Naik announced that the panchayat is in the process of setting up its own waste treatment plant. “The machinery has already come and we expect to start very soon. The shade where the machinery will be installed is also ready. We have also got vehicles to collect waste,” he said.
Despite these assurances, the villagers remain sceptical and are demanding more reliable services and greater accountability from the panchayat.
