Digital Goa, Jan 6 – Pointing out that despite spending crores of rupees on waste management in Goa, the garbage menace is growing at alarming proportion, CM Pramod Sawant today appealed to the local self-government bodies to take the issue seriously and take responsibly of keeping areas under their jurisdiction clean and green. He was speaking at the Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on Waste Management today. “Solid Waste Management Corporation alone spends around Rs 160 crore annually on garbage management, in addition to this Municipalities, Panchayats and Tourism Department also spends funds on garbage management. Despite this the problem persists,” he lamented. Sawant said that govt is contemplating to have transfer stations at garbage black spots across the state where people generally tend to throw their garbage.
▪️ Waste management efforts marred by corruption
Sawant alleged that several elected representatives manipulate the funds allotted to the panchayat or municipality for waste management through 14th and 15th finance commissions. “I have seen how they indulge in corruption. Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 are removed in the name of waste management but not even Rs 20,000 is actually spent,” alleged Sawant. He asserted that the govt is ready to give money and technical support but Panchayat and Municipalities will have to take the responsibility of keeping areas under their jurisdiction clean. He also asked the stakeholders to act tough on those seen dumping garbage on the roadside and at public places. Question them, fine them and even seize their vehicles if the need be, Sawant advised.
