The growing garbage black spot near Dr K B Hedgewar Vidyalaya has become a serious health concern, with residents warning of the risk of disease and environmental degradation.
The site, which falls under the jurisdiction of three panchayats — Davorlim, Curtorim, and Sao Jose de Areal — has turned into a dumping ground, forcing citizens to demand immediate collective action.
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Piles of plastic, food waste, and debris lie scattered near the school, attracting stray animals and emitting a foul stench. Locals fear the problem, if ignored, will only worsen, endangering children and families living nearby.
Resident Pushpa Gaitonde strongly criticised the lack of accountability, calling it both a civic and moral failure. “Such dumping is killing nature. But the bigger question is — why is there no proper door-to-door garbage collection in our village? If the system was in place, we would not be witnessing such a shameful mess,” she said.
Echoing the frustration, Pramod Gaitonde pointed to years of neglect. “Every panchayat talks about waste management in meetings, but on the ground, there is nothing. People are left with no option but to throw waste by the roadside. The authorities must stop this blame game and provide a proper collection mechanism,” he demanded.
Parents of students at Hedgewar Vidyalaya also raised alarm. “This is not just about garbage; this is about the health of our children. Mosquitoes are breeding here, stray dogs roam freely, and the stench is unbearable. If three panchayats can’t solve one issue together, what hope do we have for larger problems?” one parent remarked.
Environmental volunteers from Curtorim stressed that enforcement and awareness must go hand in hand. “CCTV surveillance and fines for violators can help, but unless people are given a reliable collection service, dumping will continue. Waste management cannot be left half done,” one volunteer said.
Residents are now pressing for a joint meeting of the three panchayats to immediately clear the site and create a long-term strategy. Until then, they warn, the black spot will remain both a health hazard and a symbol of poor governance.
“Provide door-to-door collection, stop the dumping, and protect our children’s health before it is too late,” urged Pushpa Gaitonde.
