Recently 2 shops in Colva, Salcete with the cause being dumps of garbage set on fire. And the Fire Brigade and local authorities including sarpanch/panchas, etc rushing to the site. It is a common thing now for garbage dumped (not collected) in quite a few places and then fires being set to burn this garbage which includes toxic materials like plastic very harmful for health. Earlier most of these were clearly visible but now only it’s mostly in areas not in full public view as the local authorities and garbage collectors appear to be trying to give the wrong impression, there is no garbage issue in Colva. The toxic smell is clearly observed at certain times of the day particularly in the mornings. I have particularly witnessed this in the early mornings and have also noticed thick black smoke in the beach areas at this time. I request the local panchayat to take the lead in working with the Environment Minister , GSPCB and Colva police to take a proactive (rather than reactive) role in addressing this menace and not only wait/comment when the fires get out of control and threaten life and property.
