Shyam Zambauliker | NT
MARGAO
It is the duty of every citizen to dispose of garbage in a proper and lawful manner at identified places in accordance with Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996, which prohibits disposal of garbage in public places, drains and sewerage system.
However several people violate the provisions of the Act.
During the last five months, South Goa police stations have booked 575 cases under the Act. Of these cases, highest number – 145 cases were booked by the Curchorem police, while 97 cases were booked by the Colva police and 90 cases by the Canacona police. 87 cases were booked by the Cuncolim police, 48 cases by Maina Curtorim police, 36 cases by Vasco police, 23 cases by Sanguem police, 26 by Verna police, 22 cases by Mormugao, and one by Colem police.
The Margao police did not book any case under the Act.
According to the police, in the year 2015 till December 20, South Goa police stations had booked 2235 cases under the Act, while in the year
2014 during the same period, 1534 cases were booked by South Goa police stations.
In the year 2013, South Goa police stations had booked 1480 cases under the Act while in the year 2012, South Goa police stations had booked 868 cases and in the year 2011, cases booked were 588.
The police said that despite the fact that public can be booked under the Act, incidents of garbage dumping in public places are on the rise.
When a person is found dumping garbage in places other than those meant for the purpose, the police book a case, said senior police officer.
As per the Act, whoever is guilty of intentional omission in contravention of any of the provisions of it, or of any rules, notification or order issued or given under it, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to Rs 5,000, or with both.
South Goa Superintendent of Police Shekhar Prabhudessai said that one should make habit of disposing garbage at identified places.
He said that Act prohibits throwing of garbage in public places, drains and sewage and it says that no person, by himself or through another, shall knowingly or otherwise throw or cause to be thrown in drain, ventilation shaft, pipe and fittings, connected with the private or public drainage works if any non-biodegradable garbage or any bio-degradable garbage in a nonbiodegradable bag or container likely to – (i) injure the drainage and sewage system. (ii) interfere with the free flow or affect the treatment and disposal of drain sewage contents; and (iii) be dangerous or cause a nuisance or be prejudicial to public health.
According to a source at the heath office, concerned officers are keeping a check on dumping of non-biodegradable garbage.
He said that whenever such complaint is received, a team of the heath office headed by sanitary inspector conducts an inspection of the sites where such garbage is dumped, and sends a report to Margao Municipality for appropriate action.
