The scenic West ern Bypass stretch between Nuvem and Fatorda, which was envisioned as a vital link to ease South Goa’s traf fic congestion, has alarm ingly turned into a waste dumping hotspot, drawing strong protests from resi dents and local activists. What was once a clean and green corridor now presents a dismal sight with piles of garbage, plas tic waste, and construction debris scattered along the roadside. The stench from decomposing waste and open dumping has made daily commuting unpleas ant for hundreds of motor ists. Residents allege that de spite repeated complaints to the concerned author ities and the local bodies the situation remains un checked. They say that the area has become a conven ient site for illegal dumping, particularly during late night hours. “Instead of being a sym bol of development, this by pass is fast becoming a sym bol of neglect,” said Caitan Fernandes, a local resident from Nuvem. “Every week, new mounds of garbage appear along the roadside. The authorities talk about smart city projects, but they can’t even keep our roads clean. This dumping is not just an eyesore—it’s a se rious health and environ mental hazard.” Caitan further pointed out that the waste, especial ly plastic and food scraps, attracts stray animals and creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes. “During the monsoon, this dumped waste clogs drains and leads to flooding. The entire stretch from Nuvem to Fa torda stinks, and it’s shame ful that officials turn a blind eye,” he added. Residents warn that continued dumping could contaminate the adjoining fields, and wetlands, en dangering water quality and soil fertility. They have urged authorities to act be fore the problem becomes irreversible. Residents are demanding installation of CCTV camer as, strict fines for offenders, and regular waste collec tion drives. They have also suggested putting up sign boards warning against ille gal dumping and involving local youth in monitoring and reporting violators. Locals now want the South Goa Collectorate to intervene and take decisive steps to clean the area. Unless immediate meas ures are taken, residents fear that the Nuvem–Fator da Western Bypass—built to enhance connectivity— will instead be remem bered as a corridor of civic apathy and environmental decay.
Western Bypass Turns Into Garbage Dumping Ground, Residents Demand Action
