A commercial establishment owner was caught dumping and burning garbage in an open area in Benaulim on Sunday.
This is the fifth such instance involving this individual, drawing anger from environmentalists and residents.
Locals alerted both the Colva Police and Cana-Benaulim Sarpanch Xavier Pereira, who responded promptly.
According to them, the individual has a history of illegal dumping, including on church property, and has been fined previously. He has now been directed to appear before the village panchayat to pay further fines.
Open burning of garbage is punishable by a fine of Rs 20,000.
Despite a functional door-to-door garbage collection system, the accused repeatedly chooses to dispose of waste illegally, causing pollution and health risks.
Residents are frustrated by these repeated violations, which undermine community cleanliness efforts.
They have demanded strict legal action and stricter penalties to deter future offences.