VASCO
Irked over the Mormugao Municipal Council’s (MMC) inability to clear a roadside garbage dumping site, residents of Shantinagar got together and used their funds to remove the garbage.
The locals went one step ahead by installing a night vision hi-tech CCTV at the site and installing a signboard warning those dumping garbage that they would be shamed by uploading CCTV footage on social media.
Speaking to reporters, social worker and resident Prasad Naik said after several attempts to meet MMC representatives had failed, the residents decided to clear the area themselves.
“Much of the garbage was being dumped by people from other places like Dabolim, etc. We raised funds and engaged a JCB and other machinery.”
“We also engaged labourers, hired vehicles and cleared the garbage. We also installed CCTVs and installed a signboard at the site.”
“Though no one supported us initially, a large number of residents have now appreciated our work and have joined hands with us. They are happy that the garbage site is cleared, thereby freeing them from constant stench and stray animals,” said Naik.
Social activist Preetam Queloscar told reporters said while many people had stopped dumping garbage, some of them had been caught on camera in the act and were well-known in Vasco.
"It is sad that a well-known restaurateur who roams in a posh car during the day arrives with another posh car at night and dumps his wet waste and other garbage here.”
“We have his footage on CCTV and we are sending him a warning that if he continues to dump his garbage here, we will be forced to upload his video footage on social media " said Queloscar.
