Panjim, like the rest of Goa, is in a state of neglect. All streets, lanes and gutters have piled up garbage and filth. Our governor pleads so often with the officials and the public to make Goa one of the cleanest states in India but is there any chance of that happening? One main reason for the present state is due to the shoddy work done by the civic workers. The roads are swept superficially leaving half the dirt behind before these workers rush to do their private jobs. There is no dedication and accountability in some of these workers. Even at 10 am many of the streets appear unswept. The once lovely hillock, Altinho, which we have in the city has loads of garbage lying on both sides of the street as one climbs from St Inez side.
Most road-side commercial establishments have garbage scattered in front of them. It should be mandatory for these establishments to maintain cleanliness in front of their premises and a heavy fine should be imposed on offenders. CCP officials and the Mayor of Panjim need to make regular rounds of the city and see for themselves what state the city has come to. It is disgraceful and shameful for any capital city to be so filthy.
In Goa we have people throwing garbage everywhere without any sense of guilt and then we have scavengers, cattle, stray dogs and birds scattering these dumped bags full of filth. These days, we hear so much of Indian culture. Is this what we can showcase to the world? Our filthy cities and villages looking totally neglected, men easing themselves anywhere and spit stained government buildings and markets?
