PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant came down heavily on those involved in littering public places by issuing a stern warning to impose hefty fines as well as impounding vehicles caught in illegal dumping of waste.
During his online interaction on ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Campaign on Saturday, Sawant also urged the general public to click photos of the menace and forward the evidence to concerned authorities including the police for appropriate action.
“To curb littering and promote cleanliness, stringent measures will be in place such as against individuals caught disposing waste on roads will face hefty fines. Citizens are urged to be vigilant and report any such incidents,” he announced.
Sawant also directed all contractors responsible for waste collection from hotels and industries to register their total waste collection along with disposal location with the concerned panchayats or the solid waste management authorities. He warned that strict action would be initiated if any industrial waste is found improperly disposed.
The campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being implemented across the nation from September 17 to October 2, as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Sawant highlighted the importance of collective action and voluntary participation in achieving complete cleanliness (Sampoorna Swachhata) while acknowledging the campaign’s focus on clearing dirty and difficult garbage spots, recognizing the hard work of sanitation workers and celebrating the State’s progress in waste management over the past decade.
“Goa is now focusing on the treatment of segregated waste with multiple projects such as Biomethanation Plants and MRF sheds at Valpoi, Mormugao and Canacona currently underway. The Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign, jointly organized by SBM-Grameen and SBM-Urban under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to carry forward the momentum through community participation and innovative initiatives,” he added.
The CM also laid out the key activities under the campaign being mega cleanliness drives across urban and rural areas; focusing on community assets like water bodies, roads and garbage dumps; health and welfare camps for Safai Mitras to ensure their well-being and connect them with various welfare schemes. Awareness campaigns and competitions in schools and colleges, as well as roadshows and rallies across North and South Goa, conversion of black spots into clean spots and enforcing the ban on single-use plastics in markets are also on the agenda.
Sawant reiterated his appeal to the public to participate in the cleaning of their households, separating various types of waste -- including clothing, furniture, and other household waste. The collected waste will be gathered by municipalities and panchayats on a designated day of the week.
