Goa: MMC Truck Caught In The Act While Disposing Of Waste In Benaulim
Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has been caught illegally dumping mixed waste, including coconut waste, in the neighboring village of Benaulim, sparking concerns among residents that a Sonsodo-like situation may arise in the area. Video footage captured Margao Municipal trucks unloading tons of unsegregated waste on the banks of the river Sal in Benaulim, leaving MMC officials red-faced and without explanation.
Angry locals in Benaulim have criticized the MMC for disposing of city waste in their village, especially considering the High Court’s scrutiny of the MMC’s failure to resolve the Sonsodo waste issue. Benaulim Sarpanch Xavier Periera, along with Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, Warren Alemao, and other protestors, visited the dumping site after the video went viral.
The MMC fines citizens for disposing of waste along the city’s roadsides. Now, the civic body has been caught red-handed dumping the city waste in Benaulim, said Xavier, emphasizing that the panchayat body would lodge a formal complaint with the Colva police against the MMC. He further added, The Panchayat will initiate action against the civic body as per the rules in force.
Local resident Roque Fernandes questioned the fairness of the situation, pointing out that the civic body charges significant garbage fees to households and commercial establishments in the city but dumps the waste in a neighboring village. Calling for accountability, Fernandes urged the responsible party to remove the waste immediately, particularly as the dumping occurred near the river Sal.
Warren Alemao, echoing the concerns of his fellow Benaulikars, issued a stern ultimatum to the Margao Municipality: The people of Benaulim will collect the waste and dump it in Margao if the Margao Municipality does not lift away the waste immediately. Alemao also demanded an explanation from Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas regarding how the waste from Margao Municipality, under the control of MLA Digambar Kamat, found its way into Benaulim.
This incident raises serious questions about the MMC’s waste management practices and its responsibility to protect the environment and public health. With the conflict between the MMC and Benaulim residents escalating, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and what actions will be taken against the civic body.
Efforts to reach out to the Margao Municipal Council for comment have been unsuccessful thus far.
The illegal waste dumping in Benaulim not only threatens the village’s ecosystem but also highlights the urgent need for more effective waste management solutions. As concerned citizens raise their voices against this blatant violation, it is crucial for authorities to investigate the issue thoroughly and take the necessary measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.
It is paramount that municipalities uphold their responsibilities in waste disposal and ensure that waste is properly managed, minimizing any negative impact on the environment and neighboring communities. The authorities must address the concerns of Benaulikars promptly and transparently to restore confidence in the credibility of waste management systems and protect the well-being of all residents in the region.
