Goa has introduced a garbage clearance fee of Rs 10 for tourists visiting key destinations within its jurisdiction.
The new fee, which came into effect on April 1, targets popular tourist spots, including the historic Mahadev temple at Tambdi Surla and several scenic waterfalls in the region. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the panchayat to maintain cleanliness at these high-traffic locations, which have long struggled with the waste generated by increasing visitor numbers. The decision to levy the fee, which was approved by the director of panchayats, was motivated by the rising concerns over the state of cleanliness in areas frequented by tourists. The revenue generated from this fee will be channelled towards maintaining the upkeep of these tourist sites. Deputy Sarpanch emphasized the importance of preserving the area’s heritage and natural beauty. “The objective is to keep the places clean. The revenue generated will help us maintain the locations where the tourist footfalls are highest,” he said. The panchayat has set up designated booths to collect the garbage fees from visitors, marking a significant step towards formalising the funding for cleanliness efforts. As part of a broader strategy, the panchayat is also in the process of identifying additional spots where waste generation is significant. These areas will see regular garbage collection, ensuring that waste is properly segregated and deposited at designated waste management stations.
Despite the fee’s introduction, the panchayat acknowledges that the funds collected will only be a small part of the overall costs required for comprehensive cleaning operations. With a monthly expenditure of approximately Rs 6 lakh on waste management across the village, a substantial portion of this budget is allocated to the Tambdi Surla area, where the remote location of the temple complicates collection logistics. The temple, located 16 km from the panchayat headquarters, requires frequent garbage collection trips, often necessitating the use of vehicles and workers at least four times a month. Officials have conceded that while the Rs 10 charge is a step in the right direction, it will not cover the full extent of the cleanliness costs. However, the revenue is expected to alleviate some pressure on the panchayat’s limited resources. The initiative also reflects a growing recognition of the environmental impact of tourism on rural areas and the need for sustainable solutions to preserve these heritage sites.
Local residents and businesses have shown support for the initiative, recognising the long-term benefits of maintaining the pristine condition of the area’s natural attractions. Tourism in Goa is a major industry, and the environmental degradation caused by the sheer volume of visitors is becoming a significant issue. With the tourism sector continuing to grow, managing waste efficiently has become an urgent priority for local authorities. While the panchayat’s initiative is still in its early stages, there is hope that it will set a precedent for other tourist-heavy villages in Goa to introduce similar measures. The goal is not only to keep the environment clean but also to promote sustainable tourism practices that contribute to the preservation of Goa’s cultural and natural heritage. In the long term, the challenge for Sacorda’s village panchayat will be balancing the influx of tourists with the resources available to manage waste effectively. As local authorities continue to refine their waste management strategies, the introduction of the garbage clearance fee represents a small but meaningful step towards ensuring that Goa’s most beloved destinations remain clean and sustainable for future generations.
Goa Village Introduces Waste Fee for Visitors
