MARGAO: Residents of Mungul are up in arms over the mounting issues surrounding a waste collection garbage station situated on the Margao-Colva road. Despite daily pickups by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), residents are irked by the location of the ‘dumpsite’, overflowing with waste from outsiders.
Locals complained that the Mungul garbage station has transformed into a convenient dumping ground for motorists, two-wheelers, and even neighbouring villagers, restaurants, and hotels. They said this not only violates the purpose of the waste collection station, which is intended solely for the municipal house taxpayers of Mungul residents, but also exacerbates the existing waste management challenges.
Cruz Fernandes, a concerned resident, has repeatedly raised concerns about the indiscriminate dumping of garbage outside the station, particularly during the night. This has resulted in not only an eyesore but also a health hazard, with foul smells permeating the air and stray dogs scattering waste onto the main road, posing risks to commuters and pedestrians.
Efforts to curtail this menace have been met with limited success. The residents have resorted to night vigilance, endured heated debates with the culprits and even imposed fines on these offenders, but the problem persists unabated.
They have also expressed gratitude for the efforts of the MMC Ward 1 Councillor in ensuring daily waste removal, but lamented that despite this, the situation remains dire, with labourers at the station facing undue stress and hygiene concerns.
“There is seldom any waste dumped by residents at the garbage station, as it is segregated and collected from every household daily by garbage collectors and brought to the waste station. However, hygiene is not maintained at this collection station. The waste station and the surrounding area, including the internal residential road, are never washed, nor is dry chemical powder sprayed to neutralise the smell after waste removal. Consequently, although the waste is lifted, the foul smell and pesticide residue linger, exacerbating the environmental and health hazards in the vicinity,” Fernandes added.
The locals are now urging authorities to relocate the garbage station to a less prominent location, away from the main thoroughfare. Additionally, they propose repurposing the current site for community use, such as a library for senior citizens, once the waste station is moved.
Residents are gearing up for an awareness campaign to promote waste segregation and hygiene practices within the area. By instilling a sense of responsibility among residents, they hope to stem the tide of pollution and safeguard public health.
