Mormugao’s waste transfer stations turn into public eyesores

VASCO: The garbage transfer stations put up at various locations in the jurisdiction of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), each costing Rs 1.3 lakh, have not been serving the purpose of curbing the menace of stray cattle and dogs spilling waste from bins kept at the dumping points
In the August 29 edition of TOI, it was reported that 34 transfer stations had been set up in different parts of the municipalities in 25 wards.
MMC chairperson Nandadeep Raut had told TOI that the transfer stations would be locked and one key will be kept with the supervisor who oversees door-to-door collection and another key will be kept with the municipal staff to open the door and collect the garbage from the bins to be transported to the garbage treatment plant at Sada.
However, 15 days later with the doors wide open and cattle, dogs and goats have started entering inside the transfer stations. At a few spots, the bins still are kept outside and garbage is thrown outside the station by passersby.
Amit Kumar, a local from Baina, said, “The door-to-door collection of garbage at times is done for even four days at a stretch. We can’t be keeping the garbage stinking in the houses especially when we have children at home. With no option, we are forced to keep the garbage at the dumping points.”
Shabbir Ahmed from New Vaddem suggested that the municipality put up boards warning that people will be fined if found dumping outside the stations.
“They can even install CCTVs for the purpose,” the New Vaddem resident said.
When TOI contacted the Mormugao municipality chairperson, he said “an inquiry will be conducted and an inspection will be carried out wherever the stations have been set up”.
“The supervisors will be briefed and asked to take necessary precautions,” said the chairperson.