NT Reporter
Margao
Citizens and Congress leaders urged the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to conduct a site inspection at the Sonsoddo waste site alleging that diapers, sanitary pads and other refuse are being buried there for the past few months. They have demanded that the GSPCB take necessary action in the matter.
“Heaps of sanitary waste, including pads and diapers, are being discarded a mere three metres from the neighbouring Manovikas High School and subsequently covered with mud. This is a blatant violation of the pollution control board’s regulations,” said Congress leader Savio Coutinho, adding that he and other concerned citizens would formally petition the GSPCB for action against Margao Municipal Council (MMC) officials.
Citizens questioned why the MMC had ceased its contract with the Kundaim-based company responsible for scientific disposal of such waste.
“Despite collecting fees from residents for waste management, why is the civic body engaging in unlawful practices?” they said.
They said that MMC’s wet waste is processed at the Cacora plant, dry waste is managed by an agency in Nessai, GSUDA oversees the multi-level parking facility and the renovation of the municipal building, and the Margao Municipal Garden is maintained by the Forest Department and GSIDC.
“It has now come to light that even the budget will be prepared by a private chartered accountant, leaving the MMC devoid of any substantive responsibilities,” citizens alleged.
Citizens recalled how the MMC chairperson had previously disposed of waste in Benaulim village areas and had to retrieve it following complaints and protests.
When contacted, Municipal Engineer Deepak Dessai said that diapers,
sanitary pads and other refuse are regularly collected by the Kundaim-based company, and refuted claims of any dispute between the civic body and the company.
