Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has initiated a special cleanliness drive aimed at tackling the persistent garbage problem in the town. This effort focuses on the collection of not just regular waste, but also e-waste and old clothes, adopting a more holistic approach to waste management.
Despite repeated warnings, on Wednesday, a vehicle was caught dumping waste along the ring road, leading the civic body to impose a fine of Rs 5,000 on the violator.
Damodar Shirodkar, MMC Chairperson, announced that vehicles found illegally dumping garbage will be impounded, with offenders facing heavy fines to curb this behaviour. “The e-waste collected during the drive, such as tube lights and bulbs, will be handed over to the agency designated by the Goa Solid Waste Management Board,” added Shirodkar.
As part of the cleanliness campaign, the footpaths at Margao railway station were cleaned, and garbage removed from known black spots. Soil has been added to muddy areas to improve accessibility for commuters.
In an effort to streamline operations, the council plans to dispose of old and unnecessary documents, including birth certificates from the Portuguese era, following proper sorting procedures.
To address the issue of nighttime garbage dumping, five dedicated teams have been formed, with vehicles involved in such violations to be impounded. Shirodkar noted that many offenders are not residents of Margao or Fatorda.
As part of the broader initiative, the council is also promoting the use of cloth bags to reduce plastic waste. Residents are encouraged to donate old clothes, which will be repurposed into reusable cloth bags through collaboration with self-help groups.