MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced strict measures against trucks caught dumping garbage in open areas, stating that such trucks would be seized and their permits cancelled for one year.
This declaration was made in response to concerns raised about improper waste disposal practices.
Waste Management Minister, Anatasio (Babush) Monserrate, echoed the Chief Minister’s stance, adding that contractors found violating garbage disposal laws would be blacklisted.
“It has been found that many big hotels dump garbage in open places, especially in villages. If anyone notices such activity, they should immediately complain to the police. The truck will be seized, the permit will be cancelled for a year, and an inquiry will be initiated,” Sawant stated.
The Chief Minister emphasized the responsibility of all panchayats to manage waste collection within their jurisdictions, highlighting that the Saligao and Cacora waste treatment plants have specific areas for waste collection.
The issue of contractors failing to follow waste disposal norms was raised by St Andre MLA, Viresh Borkar, during the Question Hour. Borkar mentioned a contractor illegally dumping and burying waste in Batim, and reported the incident to the police and the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC).
Monserrate informed the House that a complaint had been received against an individual named John Fernandes for burying waste. Following an inspection, necessary actions were taken, including imposing a fine which the offender paid.
“The offender has paid the fine imposed against him and he has stopped dumping," Monserrate said.
Despite this, Borkar presented evidence that illegal dumping continued at the site, showing pictures of a truck dumping waste as recently as Thursday.
Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco expressed frustration, stating that without action against unscrupulous contractors, the problem would persist. He also said that police fail to take action on complaints.
Delilah Lobo highlighted the need for providing adequate funds to smaller panchayats to enable proper garbage treatment. She also questioned whether separate contractors were responsible for collecting garbage along highways.
In response, Monserrate clarified that three companies have been appointed for garbage collection in the state. He noted that the GWMC collects garbage at the request of panchayats, which are responsible for collecting, segregating, and sending waste to GWMC plants.
