Team Goemkarponn
Margao: Margao Congress Block Convener Savio Coutinho has slammed the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), alleging that it was caught dumping mixed waste and covering it with mud at the Sonsodo garbage site, close to Manovikas High School.
Coutinho alleged that the dumping of mixed and sanitary waste was being carried out despite the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) having served a notice on the council for such violations.
He claimed that the practice has continued unabated, reflecting what he described as the council’s disregard for pollution control norms, Pollution Control Board notices and even directions of the High Court.
Stating that the situation poses serious environmental and public health concerns, Coutinho appealed to the Hon’ble High Court to take cognisance of the matter and initiate action against the Margao Municipal Council for its alleged violations.
He further alleged that the council appeared to treat the Pollution Control Board as a “toothless tiger,” claiming that MMC had developed immunity to notices and warnings.
Coutinho recalled that the Pollution Control Board had imposed a fine of ₹1.02 crore on the MMC around five years ago, but alleged that the penalty remained only on paper, drawing media attention at the time without any recovery of the fine.
The Margao Municipal Council has not yet responded to the allegations.
