The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the deteriorating sanitary conditions and growing garbage crisis at the Mapusa Sub-Yard, North Goa’s major wholesale fruit and vegetable market. It has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Goa, the Director of the Directorate of Municipal Administration, the Chief Officer of the Mapusa Municipal Council, the Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), and the Collector of North Goa, directing them to file detailed replies by November 6.

The intervention follows a citizen report highlighting hazardous neglect within the bustling wholesale market yard. Serving thousands of residents, small vendors, restaurant owners, and families from Mapusa and surrounding Bardez villages every day, the sub-yard has reportedly degenerated into an uncontrolled open dump.

Rotting vegetable waste, decomposing fruit husks, and other organic refuse lie scattered across active loading bays and walkways, mixed with non-biodegradable waste such as torn thermocol packaging, discarded plastic crates, and tarpaulin sheets.

The GHRC will take up the matter on November 6 to review the administrative responses and evaluate remedial action plans from the municipal council, the pollution control board, and state departments.