He added that the amount of trash strewn across Benaulim had decreased due to sustained efforts to stop people from dumping garbage over the last few years.
He reiterated that he has been keeping a watch out for violators in Salcete for many years only out of love for Goa and his desire to keep the village clean, and made it clear that he had refused money when it was offered to him. He pointed out that there were several instances where people had offered him as high as Rs 10,000 to look the other way. He explained how he rejected the bribe and managed to get them to clean the dumped garbage.
Roque further said he had been assaulted and threatened in the past for his activism. He refuses to relent and said the panchayat has given him a card authorising him to carry on with his work. He added that he has never asked the panchayat to pay him a percentage of the fines either and that he has worked with the panchayat in carrying out awareness campaigns.
Gram sabha members had earlier proposed that activists like Roque be paid a percentage for their work. Roque added that he had personally spent close to Rs 18,500 putting up permanent boards and temporary banners in the village warning against dumping of garbage. He had also initiated a unique eco-friendly drive during the Sao Joao festivals.
Roque also defended and condemned charges against taxi drivers. He pointed out that he is an active member of the Taxi Owners Union and was deeply involved in the recent agitation along with Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and others. He had even met the Chief Minister on several occasions.
