Goa, July 7 -- While markets in Mumbai undergo cleaning operations as early as 4:30 am, Panjim's main fruit and vegetable market under the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) remains littered and unhygienic well into the morning. Even by 9 am, when shoppers are already arriving in large numbers, heaps of vegetable waste and filth are left uncleared.

Tax-paying citizens have expressed frustration that despite their contributions to the CCP's revenues, basic sanitation standards are neglected. Shoppers typically start coming in from 7:30 am, yet cleaning staff are often nowhere to be seen.

Residents have demanded that market inspectors-who are rarely present-and the CCP Mayor and Market Committee take responsibility to ensure the area...