The peak tourist season in Goa has hit a major roadblock, with a severe garbage collection crisis erupting across its famous northern beaches. The Shack Owners Welfare Society Goa (SOWS) has sounded an urgent alarm, stating that waste collection has completely stopped for the past four days, creating an unsanitary and hazardous environment.
Contractor Failure and Health Hazards
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and the state's tourism director, SOWS President Cruz Cardozo highlighted the dire situation. The breakdown in services has affected major tourist hubs including Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Anjuna, and Morjim. The contractor responsible for the cleanup has cited repeated vehicle breakdowns as the cause.
However, the shack owners' association has rejected this explanation. They allege that the excuse systematically masks a serious lack of operational capacity, especially during the busiest week of the year. The letter explicitly states that the contractor is paid crores of public money to maintain a fleet that now appears redundant.
Immediate Consequences for Tourism and Livelihood
The fallout from the accumulating waste is immediate and severe. Decaying organic waste piled next to beach shacks is creating a significant health risk for both staff and visitors. The stench and visible filth are driving tourists away from these traditional businesses.
This exodus deals a direct blow to the livelihood of local Goan shack owners. Furthermore, in the crucial month of December 2025, the negative imagery of a 'dirty Goa' is being broadcast worldwide through social media, undoing years of careful destination branding. The association emphasized that a four-day service failure constitutes a gross violation of the contract, not a simple breakdown.
Demands and Ultimatum from Shack Owners
Faced with this emergency, SOWS has laid out clear demands for the state government. Their primary call is for immediate intervention using vehicles from the Goa Waste Management Corporation to clear the massive backlog of waste.
The association also demands a thorough review of the current contractor's performance, coupled with heavy penalties for every hour of service lapse. They have issued a 12-hour ultimatum for resolution. Failure to act, they warn, will force them to stage a protest at Paryatan Bhavan to protect their businesses and salvage the ongoing tourism season.
The crisis puts the spotlight on the efficiency of public service contracts during high-pressure periods and highlights the fragile balance between tourism infrastructure and environmental hygiene in one of India's top beach destinations.
