Locals irked as garbage heaps mar scenic Hollant beach

VASCO

Large heaps of garbage dumped across various parts of the scenic Hollant beach on Friday triggered outrage among local residents and social activists, who questioned the failure of authorities to maintain cleanliness at one of Mormugao taluka’s popular picnic destinations.

Locals pointed out that plastic waste, food packets, bottles and other trash were seen scattered along the beach and nearby surroundings despite repeated awareness campaigns on keeping beaches clean. Residents said the increasing littering was not only damaging the beauty of the beach but could also harm marine life and tourism in the area.

Social worker Roquezinho D’Souza from Velsao said activists had earlier undertaken a massive cleanliness drive at Hollant beach and its surroundings, during which nearly 14 large bags of garbage were collected and kept at one location for disposal.

“The beach was cleaned a few months ago, but the collected garbage was never lifted. At one point, they were even forced to place the garbage near the Velsao panchayat office to draw attention to the issue,” said D’Souza.

He said he was deeply disturbed after visiting the beach on Friday during a picnic organised by the Society of St Stephen of Pale.

“I was shocked to see garbage scattered all over this beautiful beach. Hollant beach falls under the Velsao-Pale-Issorcim village panchayat and this area also houses guest houses, a customs office and polling premises used during Assembly and panchayat elections. Despite several ‘Clean and Green Goa’ and anti-pollution posters placed around the area, many visitors continue to litter the beach without any concern,” he said.

D’Souza said families and youths visiting the beach for outings must take responsibility for disposing of their own waste instead of leaving garbage behind after picnics.

“People should carry garbage bags, collect all their waste after their picnic and dispose of it properly. They cannot simply come here, enjoy themselves and leave the beach littered with trash,” he stated.

Questioning the role of the local panchayat representative who is the deputy sarpanch of the Velsao panchayat, D’Souza alleged that no concrete steps were being taken to tackle the growing garbage problem at Hollant beach.

“There is heavy crowding at Hollant beach almost every day, yet no serious action is visible. If needed, social workers are ready to cooperate with the authorities to solve this issue,” he said.

The locals have now given the panchayat a one-week ultimatum to clear the accumulated garbage, warning that the matter would otherwise be taken up with the government and tourism department.

“If the authorities fail to act, we will again be forced to collect the garbage and dump it at the panchayat office to expose the seriousness of the problem,” D’Souza warned.