Team Herald
MARGAO: Residents of Margao took pot shots at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGDPA) for failing to to implement the High Court order in letter and spirit after, heaps of garbage predominantly consisting of thermocol boxes used for fish storage, continue to accumulate at the wholesale fish market here.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Locals feel that this is an environmental hazard, with the waste wending its way into the nearby rivers and littering paddy fields.
This ongoing issue highlights challenges in enforcing environmental regulations and the need for stricter compliance measures to address waste management in the market.
This issue is not new; it has resurfaced multiple times, yet neither the South Goa Planning and Development Authority nor the fish traders have taken responsibility for the disposal of these thermocol boxes at the fish market. The lack of accountability has exacerbated the problem
In response to the ongoing problem, citizens have voiced their frustration and anger, accusing the authorities of failing to take action against the use of thermocol. This negligence has contributed to the chaos at the wholesale fish market, where the accumulation of waste is becoming increasingly problematic. Community members are calling for urgent measures to address the situation and hold those responsible accountable.
Currently, a large quantity of thermocol boxes are being dumped at the market on the edge of the river Sal, and this problem is escalating daily. The continuous accumulation of waste not only detracts from the area’s cleanliness but also poses a serious threat to the local environment and ecosystem.
Reacting to the issue, Caitan D’Souza emphasized that it is the responsibility of the concerned authorities to address the illegal use of thermocol, which is banned by law.
He questioned how such a large quantity of thermocol boxes could be entering the market without the authorities’ knowledge, suggesting connivance between traders and officials.
D’Souza pointed out that the lack of enforcement has allowed fish traders to continue using thermocol without fear of repercussions.
Roshan Prabhudesai, a visitor to the market, noted that the issue of thermocol boxes has become more pronounced due to adverse weather conditions. He stressed that it is the responsibility of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) to take action and remove the thermocol waste from the market.
Prabhudesai called for stricter oversight and vigilance regarding this matter to ensure that proper waste management practices are enforced and to prevent further environmental degradation.
