MARGAO: With thousands of devotees still thronging the Our Lady of Merces Church, Colva for the ongoing Infant Jesus novena, it’s disgusting and shocking to note that hawkers have resorted to open defecation along the procession lane behind the cemetery.
This unsanitary practice has not only raised eyebrows but has also generated a pressing need for local authorities to take action, ensuring that such incidents do not become an unfortunate tradition and that the hygiene and cleanliness of this area are maintained.
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Compelling evidence has emerged from nearby establishments equipped with CCTV cameras, revealing that numerous hawkers have used this secluded space as a makeshift public toilet during the night.
The gravity of the situation becomes evident when considering that, on the first day of the Fama procession; hundreds traversed this lane, which stretches from the bustling fish market round to its conclusion at the cemetery opposite the church.
The State government may have proudly declared Goa as Open-Defecation Free (ODF), but this unhygienic practice by hawkers has not only raised a foul stench but has also raised questions as to which authority is responsible for monitoring and maintaining hygiene in the area.
Regrettably, this is not an isolated occurrence; there have been recurrent instances of people using this area as a public toilet, even during regular days.
Raymond Rodrigues, who operates a restaurant near the Colva fish market, said, “Every Fama, we have people openly defecating and urinating along the procession lane behind the fish market. Where are the necessary sanitation provisions when planning such a fair? Who is responsible? We have to contend with the stench throughout the day.”
Incidentally, this isn’t the first time this particular area has been a subject of concern. There have been complaints in the past regarding waste, including the improper disposal of corpses of animals in this vicinity.
Rodrigues and others, who have to deal with the consequences with no relief being offered by the authorities, have called for urgent action so that a strong deterrent is set and that adequate facilities and awareness about the same is created so that people stop using this area as a public toilet.
