Last month, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a high-level meeting aimed at aligning the state with national benchmarks for sustainable waste management. While this visionary approach at the policy level is commendable and may understandably face initial challenges, its success ultimately hinges on a nuanced understanding of ground-level realities.
A related session held in the Village Panchayat of Santo Estevam on 28th June 2025 was officially notified only two days prior as a solid waste management presentation, suggesting a deliberate attempt to discourage broader participation and avoid uncomfortable questions from the community. However, the session commenced with an unrelated promotion of Economic Development Corporation (EDC) schemes, diverging from the stated agenda. It was then followed by presentations on Animal Husbandry schemes, with the actual discussion on solid waste management taking place only at the end—diluting the focus and momentum intended for the subject.
The initial session primarily focused on the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and loan schemes tailored for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and marginalised communities. During the presentation, two officials were the resource persons among others who were in attendance—one being a veterinary doctor from the Veterinary Hospital Tonca, Caranzalem, and the other representing the Solid Waste Management team.
The veterinary doctor elaborated on various schemes available for cattle, pigs, goats, and other domesticated animals. Key concerns were raised by the attending VDC members about the risks posed to public health and safety by stray animals, with specific reference to the process of impounding them in Mayem. A particularly pressing issue was the challenge of managing livestock in residential areas—especially pigs—given the clear directive from the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change prohibiting pig-rearing in such zones, which creates nuisance and also violates the Air Act. The doctor clarified that pigs cannot legally be reared in residential areas; however, this regulation continues to be flouted, with the Panchayat failing to enforce compliance. This reflects a clear lack of coordination between the departments of Animal Husbandry, Health, and the Department of Environment and Climate Change, underscoring the need for a more integrated approach.
There was an interesting amalgamation while discussing the Mukhyamantri Sudharit Kamdhenu Scheme in Goa, which offers generous subsidies—up to 90% for the first 10 animals—to promote dairy farming and self-employment. Meanwhile, the National Biogas Programme under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy supports the installation of biogas units, offering financial assistance based on plant size and location. However, there is no mandate linking the two—meaning beneficiaries of the Kamdhenu Scheme are not required to install biogas units, even though cow dung management is a critical issue. This creates a missed opportunity for:
Sustainable waste management: Unused dung can lead to hygiene issues and methane emissions.
Energy self-reliance: Biogas can replace LPG or diesel for cooking and power.
Additional income: Surplus biogas or slurry can be monetised.
Another point of concern highlighted was the persistent lack of cross-departmental coordination, which continues to obscure and complicate implementation efforts. A related issue was the livestock census being conducted in residential areas. Reports suggested that enumerators frequently skipped households, citing reasons like aggressive dogs, and instead relied on assumptions. This raises questions about the reliability of the data and points to a disconnect between panchayat members—who possess firsthand knowledge of their wards—and field-level survey teams. Such misalignment further erodes the credibility of official data collection and undermines effective planning.
The presentation delivered by the Solid Waste Management resource person appeared largely disconnected from the ground realities of the village. When VDC members raised specific concerns—particularly about the placement of colour-coded bins at chronic dumping hotspots—the presenter was unable to offer any meaningful response.
The situation was further compounded by the silence of the Panchayat Secretary, who did not provide any update when questioned about the progress of the GPDP scheme, under which the procurement of garbage bins had been proposed. No actionable roadmap was shared by the presenter; instead, only a generic Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was outlined, filled with assumptions and references to plant locations.
Equally troubling was the lack of serious engagement on the issue of dry waste collection, which currently occurs only once a week in Santo Estevam. Despite being raised, the matter received no substantial attention. Rather than engaging with the community to understand their specific challenges, the session was reduced to a one-way presentation highlighting facility locations—missing a crucial opportunity for dialogue with the villagers.
The session appeared more performative than purposeful—seemingly organised to convey to higher authorities that awareness activities were underway in select villages. Rather than engaging with the pressing ground realities, the officials in attendance seemed preoccupied with taking photographs and recording attendance. Notably, the Swayampurna Mitra made no effort to interact meaningfully with the villagers who had come expecting dialogue.
The limited turnout further revealed the lack of intention behind the event.
Key Takeaways to Strengthen Grassroots Implementation:
Interdepartmental Coordination: Ensure that all government departments operate in alignment, particularly when existing laws or rules contradict new schemes. Without harmonisation, implementation efforts are undermined from the outset.
Revive and Empower Local Cooperatives: Given the continued relevance of the Code of Comunidade in Goa, involving these entities as key stakeholders can create sustainable revenue channels for all, namely the Comunidade, cooperatives, and the panchayat. Their participation also increases ownership and accountability.
Harness Local Expertise through NGOs: Many NGOs possess deep grassroots experience and are eager to contribute to training and capacity building. Their involvement can bridge the gap between policy frameworks and community realities.
Improve Communication and Feedback Loops: Publicise such training sessions well in advance using WhatsApp or SMS to ensure wider participation. Moreover, incorporating QR-coded digital feedback systems can empower villagers to share their real concerns directly—ensuring that senior leadership, including the Chief Minister, receives authentic insights rather than curated narratives.
(The writer is an educational and social entrepreneur vocal on issues related to governance, poverty, education, healthcare and environmental conservation)
