Daijiworld Media Network - Margao
Margao, Oct 24: South Goa District Magistrate Egna Cleetus has directed officials to complete the identification and registration of unregistered bulk waste generators (BWGs) by November 30, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen solid waste management across the district.
Chairing a review meeting of the District Level Committee on the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Solid Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026, Cleetus instructed the Special Cell to maintain separate online lists of identified and registered BWGs. She also directed the Deputy Collectors to conduct on-site verification and ensure the registration of establishments that have not yet registered.
The meeting was held in compliance with the Supreme Court's directions in Civil Appeal No. 6174/2023. It was attended by Bhiku L Gavas, Deputy Collector, South-2, along with sub-divisional magistrates, mamlatdars, block development officers, representatives of municipal councils and officials from the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC), Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the SDPO's office.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the monthly report for September 2026, which recorded 25 inspections across the talukas and the issuance of 20 directions for violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules.
The committee also reviewed the progress of identifying and registering bulk waste generators. Of the 385 establishments identified in South Goa, only 124 had registered on the Centralised Online Portal, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) records dated September 30, 2026.
The meeting examined the fourth and fifth fortnightly inspection reports, compliance with directions issued to local bodies and 32 public complaints concerning garbage dumping and littering. The Deputy Collectors were instructed to maintain updated online records of complaints received, inspections conducted, action taken and compliance status to ensure effective monitoring.
The committee also discussed CPCB guidelines concerning registration fees and annual return processing fees for bulk waste generators under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. Cleetus directed the concerned officials and departmental staff to complete the iGOT Karmayogi online course titled Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026: An Overview.
To improve implementation at the grassroots level, the meeting proposed that the GSPCB conduct a practical demonstration of the Centralised Online Portal for Special Cell officials and taluka-level teams.
The committee further reviewed public awareness initiatives aimed at promoting waste segregation and preventing littering. These include infographics, newspaper advertisements, news channel tickers, awareness films, jingles and street plays organised by students.
Cleetus also proposed issuing a monthly press note highlighting the activities of the Special Cell, including inspections conducted, complaints addressed, directions issued and public awareness programmes organised.
The measures are aimed at improving compliance with solid waste management regulations, strengthening accountability among local bodies and ensuring more effective monitoring of waste generators across South Goa.