See http://ww1.mid-day.com/news/city/2005/october/120096.htm
Goa: Plastic in the neighbourhood too By: A Mid Day Correspondent October 2, 2005 Dear Editor, I am surprised to read about the alleged cleanliness of Goa and its plastic free policy (Sunday Mid Day, September 11, 2005). At the moment Goa is facing a garbage crisis. The city of Panjim is foul with the stench of garbage. National Highway 17 has become a dumping site. The beaches are repositories of garbage and plastic bottles. Though there is a ban on the microns of a lower level, it has not reduced the quantity of plastic used. In fact, there are larger mounds of high micron garbage bags now in Goa. If one reads the current issue of Goa Today and looks at the photographic proof, anyone can see the truth. Goa is on the brink of a garbage mismanagement disaster created by successive governments and corrupt politicians. The risk of epidemic and unsightly garbage will ensure the end of tourism for Goa. Please support concerned Goans and protest against our sussegado government who do not care for Goa’s future. Just as the liberation of Goa began in the Bombay diaspora, I appeal to all Goans in Mumbai to support us to eradicate the garbage problem and call for a ban on all plastic (bags, bottles and tetrapack). Thanks you for your concern and support. Wendell Rodricks Goa’s CM replies “I do agree that there is garbage problem in our state and the plastic menace is yet to be fully eradicated. However, we are working towards it and are looking at solutions for the recycling or shredding of plastic. We have also sought to look at plastic for road repairs, a model that is being implemented in other states. However, we are much better than other states. “People are equally responsible for the so-called mess in Goa. People are used to keeping their own backyards clean and dumping in the neighbours’ yard. There has to be a change in perception from all sides. “Tourism will be affected in our state as garbage paints a sorry picture for us. But we are trying to get this problem resolved. So far there have been no agitations.”