Vegetable vendors decry stench, waste dumping along Nuvem-Arlem bypass

Staff Reporter

Margao

Vegetable vendors operating along the Nuvem-Arlem eastern bypass, on Saturday, voiced serious concerns over the indiscriminate dumping of mixed waste, including chicken waste, near their stalls.

The vendors complained that the stench from the dumped waste is not only making it difficult for them to operate but also driving away potential customers.

“This desolate area lacks proper streetlighting, making it a convenient spot for people to unload their waste-filled rickshaws. Each morning, we are greeted by the sight of chicken waste and feathers. The unbearable stench lingers throughout the day, discouraging people from stopping to buy our fresh produce,” said one of the vendors, adding that they often have to cover their faces while conducting business.

A woman vendor said that the problem has been persisting for almost a decade now.

“We had informed the Nuvem and Raia panchayats earlier about it, but the issue continues. During the monsoon, this waste flows into our fields and affects our crops,” said a farmer.

A visit to the site revealed a mix of construction debris, animal carcasses, and chicken waste — all dumped in plastic bags. The area has become a scavenging ground for stray dogs, eagles, and even vultures, creating an unsettling environment for the vendors and customers alike.

Despite having raised the issue with the Public Works Department (PWD) and health authorities several times, vendors claimed no effective action has been taken.

They warned that the continued dumping of mixed waste not only poses a serious health hazard but also threatens their livelihoods by contaminating nearby farms.

The vendors have now issued a fresh appeal to
the authorities to monitor the site regularly and penalise the offenders so as to deter them from further dumping.