Team Herald
MARGAO: Pointing out that the large quantities of mixed waste piled up at the Sonsoddo dump site is garbage generated by the people of Margao, Minister for environment Nilesh Cabral called for the public to take some responsibility for it.
“The government cannot be held responsible for everything; somewhere down the line, citizens need to take responsibility as well,” he said, on the sidelines of an event here on Saturday.
He also remarked that people may change only if they are fined or arrested for adding to the garbage menace.
On Friday, citizens of Margao strongly criticised the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on account of its failure to conduct tests on the samples of the supposedly remediated inert waste from Sonsoddo dumped near the District Sessions Court building. The citizens alleged that they found all sorts of waste, including huge plastic bags,
animal carcasses and syringes, that emanated a foul odour across a one-km radius.
“Maybe there is a fact in what people say with regard to the inert that is being dumped near the district court building; the GSPCB will look into the matter and find a solution,” said Cabral.
“The government is a helping hand and hence everybody must take responsibility. The High Court is monitoring waste management. It looks like the only solution is to arrest or fine people; and only then will people act – like what court has directed to
the village panchayat
of Colva,”added the
Minister.
