MARGAO: The issue of chicken waste dumping has reached alarming levels in Goan villages, posing significant health hazards and prompting concerns among citizens and local panchayats. The absence of an effective mechanism to address this environmental challenge has neglected
the situation, with the festive season exacerbating the problem.
Several panchayats have expressed difficulties in dealing with the issue, pointing out that the government-appointed agency responsible for chicken waste collection is non-functional. The non-operation of this agency has resulted in an increase in incidents of chicken carcasses being dumped on roadsides and in open spaces.
Valentino Barretto, Sarpanch of the Chinchinim-Deussua Village panchayat, called for government support to tackle the problem effectively. He highlighted the rising incidents of chicken waste dumping and the resulting health hazards faced by the local population.
Basilio Fernandes, Sarpanch of the Camorlim village panchayat in Salcete, called for strict action against chicken vendors found dumping waste in open spaces, nullahs and rivulets. Expressing disappointment at the lack of government support,
he stressed the urgency of addressing the worsening situation.
Residents, such as Caetano Fernandes from Nuvem, reported the dumping of large bags of chicken waste on roadsides, particularly on the Western Bypass and Nuvem-Arlem Bypass. “Most chicken vendors dump their waste at night,” he said, lamenting that locals and road-users are subject to the unpleasant stench from the rotting chicken waste.
The unregulated disposal of chicken waste not only poses a threat to the environment but also to public health. Urgent measures are now being demanded by citizens and panchayats to curb this practice and prevent further deterioration of the community’s well-being.
