Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Nov 11: The South Goa Planning and Development Authority's (SGPDA) mega retail market witnessed a hurried cleaning exercise on Tuesday morning, hours before a high-level committee constituted by the South Goa District Collector arrived for an inspection.

Workers were deployed with brooms and other cleaning equipment to clear garbage from the market premises and its surroundings. The parking area adjoining the retail market, which had frequently been criticised for accumulated waste and foul odour, appeared noticeably cleaner ahead of the inspection.

Garbage bins were placed at the site, while waste that was earlier dumped indiscriminately appeared to have been collected in gunny bags. The usual sight of stray cattle feeding on mixed waste was also largely absent.

However, the temporary improvement in cleanliness did little to conceal the larger civic and infrastructural problems affecting the market complex. During the inspection, committee members and media personnel noticed exposed electrical wiring, open drains, unhygienic conditions and foul odour at several locations.

Consumer rights activist and GOACAN coordinator Roland Martins, who is a member of the inspection panel, said addressing the problems would require time and coordinated efforts from the authorities.

He explained that the panel's responsibility was limited to inspecting the market and submitting its findings to the South Goa District Collector for further action. The panel had also inspected the SGPDA wholesale fish market, following which representatives of various government departments were asked to prepare individual reports. These reports would be compiled into a consolidated document and submitted to the Collector.

United Goans Foundation secretary Avinash Tavares said the organisation had decided to associate itself with the five-member panel to give the authorities an opportunity to implement corrective measures at the PDA markets. He warned that the organisation would approach the High Court if the situation failed to improve.

Martins said the inspection had brought to light several shortcomings, including the absence of a proper system governing waste collection. Although the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) collects garbage from the market, there is no formal memorandum of understanding between the civic body and the SGPDA, nor are payments being made for the service.

He stressed the need for a formal arrangement between the two bodies to establish accountability and ensure proper waste management. The panel also intends to identify administrative gaps and recommend measures to address violations and improve the functioning of the market.

Meanwhile, questions have also been raised over the pending recommendation to impose a penalty of Rs 75,000 on the SGPDA for failing to maintain the wholesale fish market and mega retail market.

The recommendation was made by the Supreme Court-constituted Taluka Level Committee, headed by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ganesh Barve. However, its present status remains unclear, with no confirmation from the South Goa District Collector's office on whether the proposed penalty has been acted upon.

The report on an inspection of the PDA mega retail market conducted on June 17 in connection with proceedings before the Consumer Conciliation Committee is also reportedly awaiting action.

The penalty recommendation was forwarded to the District Level Committee headed by the District Collector, who is also the nodal officer appointed by the Supreme Court in connection with the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules.

A senior official said that the District Collector would be in a position to clarify the status of the proposed penalty, as the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the District Level Committee.

The latest inspection has once again highlighted the need for sustained action and coordination among government agencies to address the market's sanitation, waste management and infrastructure problems. Traders and shoppers will now be looking for lasting improvements rather than temporary cleaning exercises ahead of official inspections.