The Mapusa fish and meat market has been making headlines but for all the wrong reasons. For far too long, this essential point of commerce has descended into a pit of filth and negligence, a sordid saga that begs the question: How is this going unnoticed? For a state that so proudly trumpets the slogan “Swachhata” and considers itself a premier destination, the Mapusa market stands in stark contrast as an emblem of open disregard for hygiene and public health.
A damning health inspection report from Dr Dinesh Parab and the sanitary officials unveiled a catastrophic scene — a market operating without the all-important No Objection Certificates or permissions from Health Department, the Goa State Pollution Control Board and the Food and Drug Administration. Vendors are peddling under sordid conditions, with waste improperly disposed of, filthy drainage systems, and an ambience so putrid that it is nothing short of a dirty picture.
The question, however, is why hasn’t the Mapusa Municipality taken action. Are they stuck in the system, unable to escape the mess they’ve allowed to flourish? An effective administration safeguards its citizens’ health, and the outright negligence on display suggests an alarming failure of accountability. Why are such serious health concerns of common citizens taken for granted?
The symbolism of cleanliness on October 2, when the political class and authorities engage in the optics of sweeping dirt while pretending that we are a clean State, becomes a farce when one witnesses the stench wafting from the Mapusa market. A great disservice is being done to citizens here. And, how long can we ignore the fact that not one, but several government agencies have chosen to turn a blind eye to the proceedings in the Mapusa market? Where is the Food and Drugs Administration? Where is the Pollution Control Board? And where is the civic body? Their lack of sensitivity to this issue is baffling.
We’re standing on the precipice of a public health catastrophe. It is irresponsible, even reckless, to wait for a health outbreak or watch helplessly. The locals of Mapusa, while proud of their vibrant culture, are forced to navigate this daily gauntlet of contamination and illness. Doesn’t the common citizen and the taxpayer deserve better? Isn’t their health paramount?
The municipal authorities need to crack the whip on the indolent approach they’ve taken thus far. People like Atmaram Gadekar, who lodged the original complaint, are not merely engaging in trivial pursuit, they are advocating for people’s wellbeing. Their persistent voices should not be ignored by the very people we elect and pay to serve.
As the monsoon approaches, these already filthy conditions could morph into breeding grounds for diseases. Cleanup efforts must go beyond the occasional dust-off; they need to instigate systemic change—regulations enforced, proper waste disposal systems put in place, and regular inspections ensuring standards are met.
It’s high time authorities acknowledge their collective failure. The Mapusa situation is not just a market problem; it’s reflective of a broader systemic negligence. If accountability doesn’t resonate with those at the top, what message does that send? As we stand at this crossroad, the paths diverge; one leads to further decay, the other towards restoration. The choice is clear, but the urgency is palpable.
