After most of the panchayats failed to dispose of garbage in a scientific manner, state govt has decided to use GPS and tracking systems to ensure 100% coverage of waste collection and disposal in Goa. The Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) said that to effectively address the pressing sanitation issues and waste handling in villages, it is imperative to appoint reputed and experienced agencies or contractors who work in the field of waste management.“The empanelled agencies/contractors appointed will be responsible for effective waste handling, manpower, consumables, reporting, segregation, disposal, minimising black spots with 100% coverage, and also adopting any technological advances with the use of GPS and tracking systems,” the GWMC said. For dry waste, the GWMC said that the agency should conduct door-to-door collection, transportation to decentralised MRF, segregation, baling, and handing over the baled material to the panchayat (in case a baling machine is available) or transporting the unbaled material to GWMC’s centralised treatment facility. In terms of wet waste, door-to-door collection and transportation to decentralised MRF, treatment by using available facilities such as organic waste converter, biodigester, including operation. The empanelment will be valid for three years. The GWMC reserves the right to extend the empanelment of the agency/contractor for another year, subject to the payment of applicable fees as decided by the GWMC. The GWMC said that in addition to the fines contemplated in the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, Goa Non-Biodegradable Act 1996, and its successive amendments, if the agency/contractor is found non-performing or the GWMC receives complaints pertaining to mismanagement of waste or any other case related to the agency/contractor, the GWMC shall reserve the right to levy a fine of Rs 5,000 for the first offence and Rs 10,000 for the second offence. “If any further complaint is received, then the GWMC shall reserve the right to blacklist the agency/contractor, and they shall be prohibited from reapplication for a period of one year from the date of blacklisting,” the GWMC said.