MARGAO: The Rachol Panchayat is calling for authorities to address a growing waste problem at the village’s boat docking area. Sarpanch Joseph Vaz reports that a significant amount of garbage has accumulated where fishing boats dock, damaging the surrounding area.
Vaz explained that the panchayat lacks the funds to continually clean up the garbage and make necessary repairs. He suggests that the area where the boats are parked might fall under the jurisdiction of the Captain of Ports (CoP) and is requesting a collaborative approach to resolve these recurring issues.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
“Huge plastic and waste garbage has accumulated at Ilha de Rachol, in front of Gloria Chapel Hall,” Vaz stated. “The main cause of this accumulation is the parking of fishing boats and trawlers, which block the flow of garbage and cause it to pile up.”
The accumulated waste is causing problems for local farmers and fishermen. “This waste is a big menace, damaging the agricultural activities of local farmers and destroying their paddy fields,” Vaz added. “It also affects fishing activities as the garbage enters the khazan paddy fields and blocks the sluice gates.”
Vaz has appealed to fishing boat owners whose vessels are parked in the River Zuari at Ilha de Rachol to help clean up the garbage.
Responding to queries about his approach to the boat owners, Vaz clarified that while the boats may have permission from the Captain of Ports (CoP), they have not approached the panchayat for approval. “They didn’t obtain permission from the panchayat. They are using our land for all vessel activities without any correspondence with us,” he alleged.
Vaz noted that these activities are causing damage to village infrastructure. “Their transportation and maintenance activities damage our land and panchayat properties like protective walls, fences, and parapets, which we repair with our own funds,” he said.
