MARGAO
Citizens for Sonsodo, the petitioner in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Sosnodo matter have threatened to file a contempt petition before the High Court over the Sonsodo garbage Management site.
Petitioner Roque Mascarenhas along with members of the NGO (CFS) called on Margao Municipal officials with a plea to tackle what he called the "deplorable conditions" at Sonsodo, raising serious concerns about public health and environmental safety.
Pointing out that the High Court, while disposing of the PIL, on March 12 2024, had directed the MMC to submit a status report regarding the functioning and management of the Sonsodo garbage management site, Roque expressed concern over the grave issues at Sonsodo, indicating a failure to adhere to both the letter and spirit of the status report the civic body submitted to the High Court.
He drew the attention of the MMC officials to the non-operational bailing machines, saying none of the bailing machines at the site were in working condition, resulting in dry garbage being strewn across the area.
“This not only hampers proper waste management but also creates an unsanitary and hazardous environment," he added.
The CFS further said the current state of the site suggests a significant lapse in implementing the measures outlined in the status report.
Roque said the mismanagement of the site has led to a pervasive bad odour, severely affecting residents in the vicinity, including those in the nearby villages of Curtorim constituency, posing a significant health risk to the community.
“The present situation at Sonsodo is unacceptable. The failure to properly manage the site not only contravenes the directives of the High Court but also fails to meet basic standards of public health and environmental protection,” he said.
