NT Reporter
Panaji
Citizens of Old Goa raised strong objections on Wednesday to the dumping of garbage in the Bhakia property area, which falls within the buffer zone of a protected
heritage site.
They demanded immediate action to identify the culprits, stop the dumping, and restore the site to its original condition.
“The dumping is not only a violation of environmental laws but also a threat to the region’s cultural and historical significance,” said local resident Jacklene Fernandes.
In a complaint addressed to multiple authorities, including the Old Goa Panchayat, the Police Department, the Health Centre at Corlim, the Collector of North Goa, the Goa State Pollution Control Board, and the Old Goa MLA, residents alleged that “unknown individuals have been dumping large quantities of garbage into a trench in the Bhakia property”.
The complaint specified that the trench measures approximately 5 metres by 5 metres and 3 metres deep, and is being filled with truckloads of waste.
The letter said, “This area falls under the buffer zone of the heritage/archaeological protected area. Moreover, this kind of activity will pollute the groundwater besides unbearable stench and wide environmental damage. Hence, we urge you to take prompt action to stop this illegality and have this place restored to its original state.”
Fernandes said, “For the past many days, garbage has been dumped here. When we approached the panchayat, they a sured us they would clear it, but today there is fresh garbage dumped again.”
