Cuncolim cleanest town in Goa

MARGAO: Cuncolim has been ranked as the cleanest town in Goa as per the recently released Swachh Survekshan 2019. The survey also ranked Cuncolim 829 among the 1,002 towns in the nation’s western zone with an overall score of 1,648.9.

According to the results of the Swachh survey, Cuncolim ranked top among the 13 towns in the state followed by Mapusa, Valpoi, Bicholim, Quepem, Canacona, Curchorem, Margao, Pernem, Sanguem, Ponda, Mormugao and Sanquelim.

The Cuncolim municipal council comprising of 12 wards and a population (according to the 2011 census) of 16,623 also scored higher than the state’s average in the direct observation and citizen feedback categories scoring 649 and 871.05, respectively. Cuncolim scored 128.85 in the service level progress category.

Speaking about the achievement, Cuncolim municipal council chairperson Lavita Mascarenhas praised the efforts of the staff as well as the flying squad in helping clear the black spots quickly.

“This has been possible, thanks to the meticulous door-to-door garbage collection system we have in place as well as the app that residents have downloaded and used to inform us of black spots in the area. The flying squad has also been instrumental in responding to these cases and clearing them within 24 hours or maximum 48 hours. The 32 labourers we employ also deserve credit,” said Mascarenhas.

She also said that the municipality has been carrying on with its garbage management plans for the city. “Continuous awareness campaigns are being held in the local market against the use of plastics and encouraging the use of paper and jute bags. Except for the fish vendors, all shops have stopped using plastics,” she said.

Recently, the municipality also received an award during the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan competition for being the cleanest town in South Goa. The award was presented at the hands of Governor Mridula Sinha.