POINGUINIM: Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar and Canacona Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chandrakant Shetkar have zealously taken up the protection of the environment. They have been holding corner meetings across Canacona since July, and on Tuesday, they stated that these meetings would be also used to spread awareness about the degradation of nature.
At a press conference, Shetkar stated that they held a drive to confiscate thin-graded micron carry bags from business establishments and that the drive would continue with gusto as a new joint mamlatdar had been posted at Canacona. The mamlatdar was entrusted with enforcing the law.
The issue of fish vendors selling fish on the pathway and not in the Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) fish market was also raised. Shetkar, who is the CMC chief officer, said he had reprimanded the fish sellers. He also urged people not to protest and demand the release of the lawbreakers, which they regularly did. Journalist Kholkar pointed out that fish-laden vehicles spill water on the roads, making them slippery. A Canacona official added that the spilling occurred at night and it was difficult to nab the culprits.
Tawadkar divulged that he had personally witnessed it. He stated that he had seen a vehicle ‘stranded’ beside the highway at Loliem while travelling to Karwar. A few people seemed to be repairing the vehicle, but when he approached them, he found that they were actually draining fish water beside the road.
To a query about garbage treatment plants, Tawadkar stated that the garbage treatment plant at Saligao would be commissioned in a few months.
Travellers discarding pet bottles and other waste were also discussed, but they could not find a solution as many tourists visited Goa throughout the year and it was difficult to track them in their speeding vehicles.
Meanwhile, they decided to hold corner meetings at Shristal, Gaondongrem, Cotigao and Poinguinim on August 27 and 28.
