Conducts site inspection with MMC; begins action plan for remediation
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a significant move to tackle the long-standing issue of unscientific garbage dumping at the Assagao plateau, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), in coordination with the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), conducted a joint inspection of the site.
The inspection was aimed at assessing the current state of solid waste accumulation and devising remedial measures to halt further environmental degradation.
The inspection, led by GSPCB officials, included MMC engineer Prashant Narvekar, an official from the Deputy Collector's office and Assagao Comunidade attorney Nelson Fernandes.
The officials assessed the waste dump and issued immediate instructions to MMC to heap all existing garbage and cover it with tarpaulin sheets to prevent water ingress during the monsoon season.
The inspection follows years of complaints and protests by local residents and environmental activists over unchecked waste dumping at the Assagao plateau. Earlier reports dating back to 2022 highlighted daily dumping of nearly 30 to 35 truckloads of waste at the site.
Residents had repeatedly raised concerns about the serious impact on soil quality, groundwater contamination and the threat posed to nearby water bodies.
Although the GSPCB had previously inspected the site on October 10, 2024, and issued directions to stop the illegal dumping, violations allegedly continued.
Attorney for the Assagao Comunidade, Nelson Fernandes welcomed the latest efforts and noted visible progress on ground.
“We are happy that some areas have been cleared. Earlier, 30 to 35 truckloads of garbage were dumped daily; now only five to six trucks are seen,” he said. Fernandes further informed that MMC has been directed to completely halt the dumping and additional staff would be deployed to monitor vehicular movement at the site.
Fernandes credited local leadership, particularly Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, for actively intervening after residents raised health and environmental concerns. He also acknowledged the support of Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza.
GSPCB officials have emphasised the need for consistent inter-agency coordination to ensure long-term solutions.
