Fish waste, garbage from Margao’s SGPDA market dumped & burned in adjoining fields
MARGAO: The continuous dumping and burning of garbage near the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) market in Margao is creating a major health hazard, leaving residents and vendors demanding immediate action to address the issue.
A visit to the site revealed the presence of large piles of garbage, including fish waste, on the side of the SGPDA compound adjacent to the retail fish market. Even plastic bags are being burned in the area.
Citizens have reported that even fish vendors, particularly fish cutters, are contributing to the problem by dumping their waste in the open field, leading to a putrid stench hanging over the market’s vicinity. Lack of oversight on waste disposal has given those responsible a free hand to continue, causing significant environmental damage as the filthy water flows into open fields.
Jose Souza, who visited the fish market, was shocked by the poor maintenance of the market area. He emphasised the need for both the market and its surroundings to be cleaned and kept hygienic for the health of the customers. He called for authorities to take the issue seriously, as the problem has persisted for several years.
Ciana Fernandes, another resident, expressed her dissatisfaction with the way waste is managed at the SGPDA market. She called for penalties for those involved in dumping and burning waste and suggested that SGPDA conduct awareness campaigns among vendors.
The visible garbage dumped in the open fields, she noted, primarily consists of fish waste.
SGPDA officials have claimed they are not responsible for cleaning or monitoring activities outside their compound. However, the ongoing situation has caused inconvenience for the general public and raised health concerns in the locality.
Cavelossim residents distressed over plastic pollution along riverbanks
MARGAO: Residents in Cavelossim are expressing deep concern about the ongoing issue of plastic waste being irresponsibly discarded along the riverbanks. Anita Fernandes from Mobor, who has been actively involved in weekly clean-up efforts along the riverbanks, is disappointed by the persistent problem of plastic pollution in the river and the sea.
She highlights that during low tide, plastic waste resurfaces and accumulates on the land, intensifying the issue. The repercussions of thoughtless waste disposal in rivers are severe, affecting aquatic life and water quality. This, in turn, has significant implications for both animal and human health, as well as contributing to global warming.
The eco-warrior also emphasises the wider consequences of plastic waste in oceans, where broken bottles contribute to microplastics and chemical pollution. “When this type of garbage enters rivers and water bodies, it does not naturally degrade but accumulates, releasing toxic compounds that harm plant and aquatic life,” she added.
Anita concluded with a call to action, urging people to reduce their plastic consumption by avoiding unnecessary single-use plastics. She encourages individuals to carry reusable water bottles when traveling, remember to bring cloth bags when shopping, and consider recycling products containing plastic components.
Curchorem locals cry foul over open garbage storage near church
CURCHOREM: The Quepem municipality’s practice of collecting garbage from the Morailem-Bebquegal market and residences and storing it in an open space before transporting it to the waste treatment plant at Cacora has generated a stink, both literally and figuratively.
The open space designated for temporary waste storage is located near residential houses and along the road leading to the Guardian Angel church in Curchorem and is gradually turning into a smelly eyesore. Councillor Balkrisha Hodarkar accused the council of hiding facts from the public and even from elected council members.
Cleto Vales, a resident of Curchorem, expressed his concern, stating that this situation poses a serious health hazard not only to the residents but also to those attending the church. The unpleasant odour emanating from the dumped garbage affects people visiting the place of worship.
“It is quite disgusting that every morning people going to the place of worship have to bear the terrible stench emanating from this dumped garbage,” said a local resident Anthony Menezes while demanding that the council find an alternate spot to collect the garbage. Councillor Balkrishna lamented that despite raising this issue several times, no action has been taken. He mentioned that the council adopted a resolution to seek 5,000 square metres of land from the Science & Technology Department for daily garbage collection.
The council had handed over a portion of land to the department for establishing a garbage management plant. If the council had received this land, they intended to use it for segregating collected garbage and installing an incinerator for disposing of sanitary pads and diapers.
He expressed concern about the municipality’s secrecy regarding the money spent on garbage management. Hodarkar pointed out that there is no information about the expenditure to clear the garbage at the Cacora plant and no data on the revenue generated from disposing of the accumulated waste there.
He suggested that the land, if granted to the council, could be used to install an electric crematorium for disposing of dead animals and providing a shelter for stray dogs. By implementing these
facilities, the town’s problems could be solved, and the council could generate additional revenue, he concluded.
