MARGAO: Despite the South Goa police booking 6,746 cases under the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act 1996 until December 17, 2023, the issue of open garbage dumping continues to plague the district. The Act prohibits the disposal of garbage, especially plastics, in public spaces, drains, and sewers, imposing fines on violators.
Curchorem police, with 1,870 cases, tops the list among police stations in South Goa that took action against garbage dumping in 2023. Surprisingly, both Dabolim Airport and Vasco Railway Station police stations reported zero cases, signifying them as the cleanest areas in terms of garbage dumping, or indicating lax policing and enforcement of the Act.
Despite Margao being a hub of commercial activities and generating substantial garbage with most shopkeepers still providing their wares in banned plastic bags, only 572 cases were filed by the police until December 17 last year. Colva PI Therron D’Costa revealed that despite awareness campaigns, they registered 561 cases. Comparatively, in 2022, South Goa police stations filed 5,808 cases under the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act. Curchorem topped the list with 1,591 cases, and Cuncolim stood third with 775 cases. Margao is also plagued by dumping of waste in the open, with people often resorting to illegal disposal under the cover of darkness. Despite civic authorities managing household garbage collection, the problem persists, which in turn gives rise to problems like overpopulation of stray dogs and cattle that cause road accidents.
Advocate Priyesh Madkaikar emphasised that the Act prohibits the disposal of garbage in public areas or obstructing the flow of drains, with violators subject to fines for endangering public health. Police officials shared that awareness drives on garbage management have been conducted under the jurisdictions of Margao, Colva, Maina-Curtorim, Colva, and Fatorda police stations.