There has reportedly been a considerable rise in cases booked by the South Goa police under the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage Act, 1996, which prohibits disposal of garbage in public places, drains and sewage. It is understood that 1,508 cases have been booked at various police stations in South Goa this year as compared to the 1,300 cases booked last year. It must be said that improper disposal of garbage by the general public has been the prime reason for the garbage found in the drains, in the water-bodies, along the roads, in public places, etc. It may not be possible for the police to keep an eye on the offenders at all times hence they rely on the complaints made by the general public. Thus the citizens have a vital role to play in stopping this menace of garbage disposal in public place and water bodies which usually takes place under the cover of darkness in the night. One way to go about with it is to introduce the concept of what can be termed as ‘Garbage Policing’. Groups of concerned citizens should be formed in cities and villages to keep an eye on those violating the Goa Non-Biodegradable Act and report to the nearest police station. The police on their part should act immediately and book the culprit under the relevant Rules. This will act as deterrence to others who have been disposing garbage in an improper manner. A vigilant citizenry is necessary to keep our surrounding clean.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
