Margao Market Under Scrutiny For Poor Waste Disposal Practices
Margao’s prominent SGPDA mega retail market has once again come under public health scrutiny after a recent inspection by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) revealed glaring lapses in waste and sewage management. A visit to verify compliance with High Court directives exposed persistent stench, unchannelled waste, and operational shortfalls, prompting officials to question whether effective systems exist for sustainable waste disposal in the market complex.
During the visit, the pollution control authority inspected the market to evaluate claims made by the Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) that a new sewage line had been laid for waste generated by the meat stalls. While the sewer network appeared nearly complete, the inspecting official flagged serious gaps in its scope, notably the failure to connect other critical areas such as the fish market and the fish cutting shed. The official expressed concern that untreated wastewater from these sections continues to drain into nearby stormwater channels, further burdening the city’s already strained drainage infrastructure. The presence of strong odours across the market precinct also indicated a lack of routine sanitation measures, underscoring that the waste management system in place may be far from efficient or compliant with environmental norms.
While representatives from the planning and development authority (PDA) contended that waste is regularly collected and handed over to the Margao Municipal Council for disposal, the Pollution Board official rejected this as insufficient. He emphasised the urgent need for the PDA to establish a formal waste storage facility at the site to hold organic and solid waste securely before municipal collection. This, the official noted, would help reduce immediate health risks posed by decaying matter and water pollution. Beyond the visible sanitation lapses, the official also raised questions about structural integration. While the meat stalls have reportedly been linked to the new sewer line, similar arrangements have not been made for the fish market zone, despite it being operated by a contractor appointed by the PDA. The Pollution Board has called for immediate corrective measures to divert all wastewater to the underground sewer system to prevent pollution of open drainage lines and surrounding water bodies.
This incident reflects a broader challenge faced by civic authorities in Goa, where urban markets—especially those handling perishable goods like fish and meat—often lag behind in adopting sustainable sanitation and solid waste practices. In Margao’s case, despite legal directives and the involvement of multiple government bodies, operational bottlenecks continue to compromise hygiene standards, raising public health and environmental concerns. As the monsoon progresses, the consequences of such lapses could escalate, particularly if untreated waste continues to leach into the stormwater drains that feed into local water systems. Officials from the GSPCB have reportedly recommended a structured action plan involving all stakeholders, including the SIDCGL, PDA, and Margao Municipal Council, to establish a transparent, accountable waste disposal mechanism.
