PANJIM/MARGAO: The Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) has identified at least 18 black spots on major roads across the State, where mixed waste continues to be dumped indiscriminately, and has directed local bodies to identify and impose fines on the culprits responsible.
The GWMC has issued a public notice asking panchayats and municipalities to invoke the provisions of The Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act 1996 to fine violators. The Corporation has undertaken a one-time cleaning operation of these littered stretches through its highway contractor KCIC Pvt Ltd.
However, the question remains as to how the authorities can keep tabs on dumping of garbage, as most littering occurs at night. While citizens urge the local bodies to install CCTV cameras on these stretches to help trace the individuals or businesses dumping their garbage on the streets, several others point out that garbage also falls off overflowing trucks transporting waste to treatment plants.
The black spots include Siolim Bridge via Tuem, Parcem, Agarwada-Chopdem in Pernem, and in Salcete, the Power House Circle (Aquem) to Ramnagari (Sao Jose De Areal), Floriano Vaz Circle to Ramnagri junction, via Housing Board Margao, Rainbow Valley (Mugalli) to Davorlim Chapel, Bolshe Circle ( Gogol Margao ) to Sonsoddo, Rawanfond Junction to St. Joseph Chapel, San Jose de Areal, St Sebestian Chapel in Chinchinim to Betul and the stretch from Margao KTC to Verna Junction.
Similarly, in Mormugao, the littered stretches include Varunapuri (first gate) to Dabolim Airport, from MES Junction to Queeny hotel via Birla Road, and Hotel Queeny to the road leading to Three King’s Church. In Ponda/Tiswadi taluka, the black spots were observed from Marcel Junction to Old Goa Via Gaundalim Bridge PHC, Sanquelim Junction to Banastarim via Betki-Kandola Bypass, Borim-Bytacol Circle to the Margao-Belgaum Bypass Junction. In Tiswadi Taluka, the roads stretching from Agassaim to Goa Velha via Pilar, the Old Highway from GMC to Panaji Bus stand via Santacruz, GMC, Bambolim to Dona Paula Circle and from Café Corte to the Siridao-Santa Cruz junction have all been heavily littered.
The corporation has directed the local bodies to ensure 100 per cent door-to-door collection of waste to stop citizens from dumping their garbage in the open. The GWMC has appealed to citizens to stop dumping of waste on the roads to prevent the re-emergence of these black spots in future. It has asked citizens to hand over their waste to respective panchayats or municipal waste collectors.
