Team Herald
MARGAO: Even as South Goa police have registered a total of 7,342 cases under the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act 1996 until December 18, 2024, the issue of open garbage dumping continues to be a serious problem, especially in Margao, a commercial hub generating large amounts of waste and plagued by black spots. The Act prohibits the disposal of non-biodegradable garbage, including plastics, in public spaces, drains, and sewers, and imposes fines on violators.
In 2024, South Goa police filed more cases compared to the previous year. In 2023, a total of 6,746 cases were booked under the same Act. Of these, Curchorem police registered the most cases, with 1,870 filed. Surprisingly, both Dabolim Airport and Vasco Railway Station police stations reported zero cases of garbage dumping, indicating either effective cleanliness or a lack of enforcement.
Despite Margao's status as a significant commercial centre with increased waste generation, only 572 cases of garbage dumping were recorded by the police as of December 17, 2024. The Colva police station registered a slightly higher 561 cases in the same period. These numbers pale in comparison to other areas with higher incidences of illegal dumping. In 2022, South Goa police stations registered a total of 5,808 cases, with Curchorem leading the list at 1,591 cases and Cuncolim in third with 775.
Margao, in particular, suffers from significant garbage dumping issues, despite local authorities managing household garbage collection. People often resort to illegal disposal of waste under the cover of darkness or during the early hours, a situation exacerbating the spread of open garbage. This practice contributes to other public health issues such as the overpopulation of stray dogs and cattle, resulting in accidents on the roads. Civic authorities' efforts are ongoing, but the problem persists in many commercial and residential areas.
Advocate Vinay Patker highlighted the harmful impact of illegal garbage disposal, stating that the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act specifically prohibits disposing of garbage in public spaces or obstructing drains. Violators face fines, as their actions endanger public health by creating unhygienic conditions.
Police officials have reported conducting several awareness drives focused on proper waste management. These campaigns were carried out under the jurisdiction of police stations in Margao, Colva, Maina-Curtorim, Fatorda, and others to educate the public about the harmful effects of waste dumping.
Sandeep Pednekar, a local resident, voiced concerns about the visible and growing garbage problem. He emphasized that garbage needs to be collected in a timely manner, particularly in commercial areas. According to Pednekar, waste continues to be discarded in open areas, particularly after dusk, creating unhygienic conditions. He called on citizens to take responsibility for their waste and avoid dumping it in public spaces, thus helping to reduce health risks in their communities.