Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 26: In a welcome shift from previous years, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has implemented strengthened waste-management measures to ensure clean and orderly festival venues. The cooperation of food stall operators and the CCP’s partnership with the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) played a crucial role in maintaining hygiene throughout the celebrations.

A CCP official said the collaboration with ESG was initiated after repeated observations that waste often remained unattended during major festivals and events in the city. “Vendors would leave garbage behind, and waste wasn’t being managed properly. This year, we worked together to prevent littering around the venues,” the official said.

Food vendors too acknowledged the improved system. Street food seller Radhika Pagi noted that customers responsibly discarded used paper plates into nearby dustbins. “Some even asked where the dustbin was. I didn’t see people littering,” she said.

CCP-deployed workers were seen clearing waste continuously even during the weekend, ensuring cleanliness through the day. Another vendor pointed out that the dustbins placed in front of each stall helped keep the surroundings tidy. “Sanitation workers were diligent and didn’t leave behind a single cup or plate. We too made sure garbage was lifted on time,” he said.

Many stall operators also kept garbage bags beside their counters to collect waste efficiently. “CCP workers regularly collected the filled bags and replaced them with fresh ones,” Pagi added.

Juice vendor Imran Asraf said CCP sanitation teams worked round the clock. “They swept the place before we opened and again after we shut for the day,” he said.

With coordinated efforts from the CCP, ESG and vendors, this year’s festival venues stood out for their improved cleanliness — offering Panaji residents and visitors a more pleasant and responsible festive experience.