There is not a single road in Goa which is spared of garbage, yet we never fail to boast about how sobit (beautiful) our State is. Due to its tourism industry, the State generates a copious amount of garbage and finds itself on the list of States producing a high amount of waste per capita.
From its beaches to forests, Goa's landscape is mired in wastes of all kinds, the highest being plastic. No matter what assurances or promises are made, the reality is that garbage continues to remain a major problem, and we, the residents and tourists, alike, are ultimately responsible for its creation.
It's easy to point fingers at the authorities or blame the lack of infrastructure, but the truth is that everyone has a role to play, and everyone is not playing that 'responsible' role. We have, instead, become part of the problem and this is sounding our death knell.
And, as a result, the garbage menace has contaminated a vast portion of our rivers and sea, yet we go about our daily tasks as if everything is just fine. I am sure we, unaware, are ingesting microplastics into our bodies on a daily basis.
The garbage menace has contaminated a vast portion of our rivers and sea, yet we go about our daily tasks as if everything is just fine.
Those who conveniently dispose of plastic waste in the open need to realise that plastic debris breaks down into microplastics and enter our food chain. The long-term health effects of microplastics are still being researched, but there's growing concern about potential harm.
While the government is talking about regenerative and sustainable tourism, the ground reality is far different. Goa's reputation as a paradise destination has already suffered damage due to images of its polluted beaches, waterways, and, not forgetting, unruly tourists.
Without addressing existing issues like garbage and plastic pollution, focussing or talking of regenerative tourism is unconvincing. Presently, there is a big gap between what's promised and what's delivered.
First and foremost, the authorities concerned will need to start tackling waste management, or else any positive contributions from regenerative tourism initiatives will be overshadowed by the ongoing environmental damage. It's like planting a sapling while neglecting a raging wildfire.
Without addressing existing issues like garbage and plastic pollution, focussing or talking of regenerative tourism is unconvincing.
The ground reality is visible for all to see and this reality has to be factored in before even talking about regenerative tourism. Here, local communities and tourism stakeholders will have to be brought on board.
Regenerative tourism can be a powerful tool for Goa, but only if it's built on a foundation of environmental responsibility. By taking concrete steps on waste management, Goa can showcase its commitment to a sustainable future and attract tourists who share those values.
But right now those values, more so of politicians, have gone for a toss with everyone busy brokering what's important to them. Our politicians see themselves as untouchable and unaccountable to the people they represent. Their perceived "indispensability" allows them to remain "unmoved" by the problems plaguing Goa, like the waste crisis.
At the same time, the responsibility for Goa's waste problem doesn't solely lie with politicians; it's a shared burden between the government and the people. When people actively participate and put pressure on the government, it can lead to a positive change. A groundswell of public concern can motivate politicians to prioritise waste management.
At the same time, the responsibility for Goa's waste problem doesn't solely lie with politicians; it's a shared burden between the government and the people.
But in Goa, our priorities are restricted to the cleanliness of our personal spaces. This is fostering a sense of detachment from the larger issue of public cleanliness and the same is leading to littering on streets, overflowing bins, and a general disregard for waste management outside one's own property.
Perhaps, some residents feel their individual efforts won't make a difference in the face of a larger problem and this frustration can lead to apathy and a feeling of helplessness.
There's still a long way to go, and Goa needs to take bigger steps towards better waste management. Here's hoping that with continued efforts and genuine public cooperation, Goa can truly live up to its sobriquet of sobit.
