Panaji (Goa): The mission is announced and machinery has been in action but the response of the people is something suspicious. That is why this idea has been designed.

Goa State Waste Management Corporation is coming up with the idea of involving Churches, Temples, religious institutions, self-help groups to educate people on the crucial issue of garbage management.

The Corporation also intends to launch a helpline number where people can call and complain about garbage nuisance either in their own village or locality or wherever they see waste being dumped and not lifted by the concerned authorities.

“The Corporation has decided to seek help from Church authorities to spread the message on how to keep their villages and surroundings clean. “With the help of Church, we would hold seminars there creating awareness on garbage free Goa,” GSWMC director Michael Lobo said.

“We would also be training the SHGs (self-help groups) to spread awareness on keeping Goa clean,” he said. The Corporation will also approach schools, higher secondary schools and college students.

“We have promised to make Goa garbage free by 2020 and it is not the sole responsibility of the government but people too need to understand that their contribution is very important,” he said.

Team TNV