Waste burning in the open causes air pollution in Margao

MARCOS GONSALVES

marcos@herald-goa.com

MARGAO: Tonnes of waste generated in the South Goa Planning and Development Authority’s (SGPDA) market is being disposed of by burning in the open fields, leading to air pollution and stinking smell that it ensues.

Herald investigation revealed that neither the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) nor the Planning and Development Authority (PDA) are serious about the issue as a result vendors are struggling to carry out their business in such conditions. Even the residents expressed anger over the handling of the waste by the concerned authorities.

Speaking to the Herald many fish vendors of SGPDA’s retail fish market alleged that the workers engaged by the contractors are cleaning the market including the wet waste of the fish and dumping it on the other side of the compound wall.

One fish vendor of PDA said that disposal of waste by burning is a routine phenomenon in the market complex.

“We have even witnessed unscrupulous elements setting waste afire for want of time-to-time disposal by the civic body. The stink is unbearable, resulting in customers avoiding coming to the market,” said the vendor.

Both SGPDA and MMC are apparently confused amongst themselves about the issue and their responsibilities. On the other hand the civic body’s composting unit is awaiting market waste for treatment. 

Another vendor, whose general store is closer to the compound wall, said that it is shocking to see the waste being dumped carelessly.

“It looks like the dumping of waste in the open fields and later burning it is a deliberate attempt made by the culprits. Someone should have taken the responsibility of keeping watch on the incidents but it seems no one is bothered to look into the matter seriously,” he said.

Mukund Bingui, a citizen of Margao, said the concerned authorities should be taken to task for handling the waste generated from the PDA market irresponsibly. 

Ranjit Borkar, Member Secretary of SGPDA, said that they are working out modalities in order to tackle the waste generated from the PDA market. However, he was completely unaware about who is handling the collection of waste mostly from the fish market. 

“As per my knowledge the waste from PDA is collected and lifted by the Margao municipality. Still, I will find out the details and will take precautions that dumping of waste in the fields and burning it will be stopped,” he assured. 

According to Lyndon Pereira, chairperson of MMC, the civic body is only involved in lifting the waste and not handling the collection.

“The chicken waste is lifted by the municipality on a regular basis but MMC is not involved in dumping the waste in the open fields and burning,” said Pereira.

An official said the primary responsibility of the PDA is to look after the planning and developmental needs of the city, adding that garbage collection and disposal is the domain of the local civic body.

Chairman of SGPDA and Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’sa said that PDA has given the contract of cleaning the market to one private agency. 

“They are not allowed to dump or burn the waste, as it is supposed to be lifted by the civic body,” said D’sa.

He assured to inquire into the matter when Herald brought it to his notice.