Team Herald
MARGAO: In a disturbing trend that has become all too familiar for the residents of Loutolim, villagers once again found themselves on the front lines of environmental protection late Wednesday night. Alert locals intercepted a pickup van attempting to dump garbage along the missing link road near the Verna Industrial Estate, an area they say has increasingly become a target for such illicit activities.
This incident marks the latest chapter in an ongoing struggle for the Loutolim villagers, who have repeatedly been forced to take matters into their own hands to preserve the beauty and ecological balance of their surroundings. The missing link road, initially seen as a boon for connectivity, has, according to them, inadvertently opened the door to a persistent problem of unauthorised waste disposal.
“Trash talks, it has become a daily story,” lamented one frustrated resident. “So many vehicles moving on the missing link come with the hidden intention, to clear their garbage in our village of Loutolim.” The locals express deep concern over the threat this poses to their environment, particularly the picturesque landscape that has long been a source of pride for the community. Plastic waste and small piles of garbage can often be spotted on the sides of the highway, which grow into black spots that can end up becoming permanent dumping areas.
“They feel this is an isolated area with beautiful mountains and trees surrounding it,” another resident explained, “but the opportunity given by the government is leading to destruction of nature and trying to spoil our ecosystem and community walks.”
Last year, Loutolim locals reported several incidents of nightsoil and sewage tankers emptying their putrid contents into open spaces in the village, subjecting residents of houses nearby to the stench. Alert villagers had also caught a water tanker that was found to be transporting sewage.
As the situation escalates, residents are calling for more robust action from local authorities to curb this environmental menace.