While markets in Mumbai undergo cleaning operations as early as 4:30 am, Panjim’s main fruit and vegetable market under the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) remains littered and unhygienic well into the morning. Even by 9 am, when shoppers are already arriving in large numbers, heaps of vegetable waste and filth are left uncleared.
Tax-paying citizens have expressed frustration that despite their contributions to the CCP’s revenues, basic sanitation standards are neglected. Shoppers typically start coming in from 7:30 am, yet cleaning staff are often nowhere to be seen.
Residents have demanded that market inspectors—who are rarely present—and the CCP Mayor and Market Committee take responsibility to ensure the area is cleaned thoroughly before the day’s business begins. Many argue it is unacceptable that people are forced to step through garbage to buy their daily essentials in the heart of Goa’s capital city.