I was reading in disbelief about some coastal village panchayats e.g. Calangute Panchayat imposing petty fines from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 on business establishments dumping garbage illegally in unauthorised places and ignoring the pre-agreed processes/mechanisms for the same. Are the respective sarpanchas and panchas really serious about curbing this menace? These petty fines are hardly a disincentive for the garbage dumping/violators. I think that the panchayats must put in steep fines of at least Rs 1 lakh plus suspension/termination of business licences for those repeating the offence. Also, I think burning of wastes/plastics by business establishments should also face steep fines and suspension/termination of business licences, as this is a major health hazard to residents, visitors and tourists. In foreign countries, steep fines and cancellation of business licenses have proven to be a major deterrent in addressing the garbage/open burning menace. I strongly request the Goa government/municipal bodies/panchayats to look at introducing similar measures.
