The Times of India              28.10.2013  

Taking waste management solutions to the grassroots

PANAJI: Last week saw some action in the areas of Sao Tome and Fontainhas in Panaji. The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) along with 100 students from Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho, Panaji, and TOI's Youth Brigade got a first-hand experience, explaining to people in the locality the method of segregating garbage at source.

The CCP's co-opted councilor Patricia Pinto supervised this grassroots initiative to solve the waste management issue. The two-day campaign covered 250 houses and drew mixed responses from the residents.

Says Earl de Souza, "It's a good initiative and a great cause. Although, however good it seems, I think it is going to be a little difficult for people to keep up with the 4-bin idea."Kishore Banastarkar said, "Not only the houses, but CCP should try to do something about the roads as well as they are very messy. The schools in the locality should teach their students not to throw chips packets and other waste onto the roads. The 4-bin system is a good idea and manageable. A little difficult at the start, but people will get used to it."Said Clifton Afonso, "Segregating into 4-bins is definitely possible. There's a need for people to be sensitized about the issue. Seeing people just dumping garbage in the river here is saddening. It's a good initiative and it's great to see the youth stepping up."

The CCP also received valuable feedback from the local residents.

Says S R Naique, "The idea of having separate bags for sanitary pads makes a lot of sense." Maria Elsa Fernandes alleged that CCP workers mix the waste while collecting it. "What's the point of segregating waste at house level? It's a useless idea," she said.

Maria de Sa, Mrs Dias, Eviaca Dias and several others pointed out that garbage collectors don't collect waste regularly. A vehicle showroom alleged that garbage has not been collected till date.

Marzalisa N Noel said a complaint was given to police about people polluting the Ourem creek, but the police did not act. "We gave a complaint to police along with photos of tenants throwing garbage into the river, but no action has been taken," she said.

Farmacia F Menezes said that they sell paper and plastic to scrap dealers. Tecla M Souza said that she was aged and didn't even have household help. "It's difficult for me. But if you can provide bins, I can try," she said. Alina Fernandes, Antonio Barretto and several others asked for bins to be provided.

Francisco Martins of Ribandar said, "This is a great initiative. I'm from Ribandar, you should do this there as well." But, Basilista Vaz raised a query. "Why should we segregate waste separately, when we are already paying for it?" she said.

Residents who live on Rua Luis de Menezes complained that a restaurant places its garbage every night on the road and stray animals mess it up. "This is causing a major hassle. A dustbin has been provided, but the hotel doesn't use it," a resident said.

The students from Nirmala Institute of Education, undergoing training to be teachers, said the campaign helped them get first-hand feedback. Says Denzil Martins, "We, as an institute, have been involved in many community services and have taken up such an activity in the past as well. Going door-to-door is needed to understand obstacles at the grassroot level. We acquire first-hand feedback."

Said Delia Antao, "It is high time that youth step up for a cleaner environment for it is for their future. Our ancestors have given us a lot. The youth should preserve it and pass it on."

Ximena Fonseca said, "It's excellent to know youth are taking up social issues. And heartening to know they are ready to do their bit."

Suvarna Gauns said that understanding civic responsibility should be at the individual level. "Teachers should specially pick this topic up in moulding children into proper garbage managers from a very young age," she said.

Added Sangeeta Kadam, "It is our responsibility to take care of our state and nation. We should start with ourselves and stop pointing fingers."

Local ward councilor Rudresh Chodankar said, "I live in Mala and some students came to my house to educate me on segregation. It was very impressive work. To all the residents of Mala, Fontainhas and Sao Tome, the CCP and I are aware that garbage has been a menace. But, I promise we're working on it."

Said CCP commissioner Sanjit Rodrigues, "Thank you, all of you. I'm very glad to see young people working for social change. As you'll know, garbage management is a collective effort and will require everyone to work towards it. We hope CCP's partnership with youth grows even more in time." Panaji mayor Surendra Furtado added, "I appreciate the efforts put in by the youth despite of the hot climate, as it hasn't deterred their efforts." The CCP will now implement the 4-bin system in Sao Tome and Fontainhas from November 6 onwards.