Proposes assignment for students on waste collection
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Asserting that the high level task force is in the process of finalizing the right technology for setting up two waste treatments plants in the state, Environment Minister, Alina Saldanha on Sunday said a proposal is put forth before the Education Department to consider waste collection exercise by students from their homes as an assignment which will make them eligible for marks in the subject of science or environmental science.
“Besides asking the Education Department to consider waste collection by students as an assignment, we are also working out incentives to encourage students and ensure it becomes a habit,” Alina said while speaking at a function organized by the Lions Club of Chinchinim in association with Chinchinim Panchayat on garbage management and protection of environment at Chinchinim on Sunday.
“The Director of Education is studying our proposal. We are making provision for four waste bins for every school. Students will collect the waste from their homes, segregate the same and bring them to the school. The school teachers will monitor the activity,” she said, adding that the government is working on different penalties for violators polluting the environment in different forms, not only in respect of garbage, but in respect of spitting and urination.
Saying that citizens are responsible for littering the state, Alina said the government is trying its best to contain the menace of plastic and other waste, while stressing on the need to be conscious of the responsibility toward maintaining the environment clean.
She lamented that the NH-17 is back to square one after two-weeks of clean up by the government.
In his address, Velim MLA Benjamin D’Silva urged the participants to implement the deliberations at the program in their respective homes.
Fr Lin Fernandes, suggested to the Environment Minister to introduce a subject on hygiene, cleanliness and protection of environment in the school curriculum.
Sarpanch Antonio Sequeira, Parish Priest, Fr Armando D’Souza, South Goa ZP Chairperson Nelly Rodrigues and President of Lions Club of Chinchinim Agnelo Furtado were also present.
