FRANKLY FRANK: Goa's garbage problem is an open shame

If there is anything that needs to be prioritised before the monsoon starts, it is the garbage mounds or black spots that need clearance before plastics and other waste get washed into the sea and our rivers. This is the story year after year.

Gomantak Times Digital has written about the subject of garbage without any positive outcome. Also, those at the top are not very comfortable when this issue is highlighted. They feel it is negative publicity. If it pains them, it pains us equally.

We are a travel and tourism website with a clear mandate to portray the positive things about Goa tourism, and rightly so, we have been doing it with true commitment. A glance through our stories on all things Goan validates that statement.

However, for months on end, while the rhetoric on tourism has been getting stronger, there has been no let-up in garbage dumping by the roadside. Internal village roads are facing the ignominy of those who have scant regard for civility.

For months on end, while the rhetoric on regenerative tourism has been getting stronger, there has been no let-up in garbage dumping by the roadside. Internal village roads are facing the ignominy of those who have scant regard for civility.

The good-mannered, or those who know how to take care of their waste, are suffering at the hands of those who don't. The end result: our neighbourhood, which is an extension of our home, remains sullied. And most of the Goan neighbourhoods are strewn with plastics and all types of waste.

A drive through any village road brings one in touch with reality: . Unfortunately, the same roads are used by tourists who come here with a picture in their minds of a Goa that's lush green and clean. Once here, they are struck with the real truth.

The question that can be rightfully asked here is: How can we keep on bragging about regenerative tourism when our roadsides are littered with plastic bottles and bags, rotting food waste and discarded things?

It’s time to ponder, but more than that, fix responsibility. Can we? If not, do we have the moral right to speak about regenerative ? Those who do should take it upon themselves to clean their dirty house. I am sure we do not invite guests into a house which is not clean.

The question that can be rightfully asked here is: How can we keep on bragging about regenerative tourism when our roadsides are littered with plastic bottles and bags, rotting food waste and discarded things?

If the government and the local bodies are to be blamed for the garbage mess, then the people, too, are at fault. They are at fault because they know very clearly the consequences of their actions, but they don't seem to care, or there is complete disregard.

If we are highlighting the problem, it is because we have a moral obligation to do so. We believe that not highlighting the problem will do more damage.

If highlighting this reality makes those responsible uncomfortable, then it is time for them to move out of their comfort zones and bring about respectable . Will they?

If Goa boasts of state-of-the-art treatment plants, then why are our roadsides littered with garbage? The answers are clear: No one is questioning the authorities. No one is willing to stand up and say to them that they are not doing their job. There is a lack of accountability at every level.

The explanation that people are irresponsible is too old and weak, if you really want the tourism industry to survive. If the people are littering, they should be penalised, and people too have to demand action from the leaders in their panchayats and municipal bodies.

The explanation that people are irresponsible is too old and weak, if you really want the tourism industry to survive.

If accountability is not being fixed, this means there is a clear lack of leadership at all levels. And, such leadership needs to be questioned and held accountable. People have the right to ask questions, and public representatives are duty-bound to answer.   

We, at Gomantak Times Digital, are committed to showcasing the best of Goa — its culture, and festivals. Now, we are asking ourselves: what good is there to show? Every picture we have clicked has edified Goa, but the litter was pushed beyond the lens.

By showcasing a shining Goa all these years, we have realised one thing, that the we share has to be honest; it can't be a glossy one. Or else, people will think we are lying.

We want to celebrate Goa, but only if that Goa is really worth celebrating.