Team Herald
MARGAO: The recent facelift of the Konkan Railway station at Margao, though a welcome development, has been overshadowed by a pressing issue of garbage menace.
Despite the upgrades to the station’s infrastructure, a significant problem has emerged with the accumulation of garbage, especially around newly developed areas where food stalls operate.
A visit to the Margao railway station revealed a troubling sight, with heaps of garbage scattered across the premises, particularly in the vicinity of these food outlets.
The issue of garbage at the station has raised concerns among local residents and commuters. Many observed that while the station's physical appearance had been enhanced, the cleanliness of the area was being compromised by the negligence of those operating within the station, particularly food vendors.
The garbage was not only unsightly but also posed a health hazard; detracting from the station’s modern look and making it appear neglected. The issue was promptly brought to the attention of the Konkan Railway authorities, who acted swiftly.
According to reports, when the garbage problem was highlighted, the Konkan Railway officials immediately took action. They summoned the contractor responsible for maintaining cleanliness at the station and penalised him for his failure to ensure the area was kept clean.
Additionally, the authorities directed that the station be cleaned immediately to prevent further deterioration of the station’s environment.
However, the concerns of the residents of Margao and nearby areas remained significant.
Peter Coutinho, a resident of Navelim, was particularly vocal about the issue. He pointed out that while the recent improvements to the station’s infrastructure were commendable, the lack of cleanliness was detracting from the station’s overall appeal. Coutinho expressed that the current state of the station resembled "a second Sonsodo"—a reference to a notorious garbage dump in the region.
Ramesh Shirodkar, another Margao resident, said "Railway stations like Margao, which handle a significant volume of visitors, must maintain high standards of cleanliness..The station’s reputation, both locally and nationally, was at risk due to the ongoing garbage problem".