Team Herald
PONDA: In a set back to Undir residents who are agitating since past two year against setting up of a sewerage treatment plant (STP) in their locality, the Additional Director of Panchayat at Margao has dismissed their appeal challenging the permission granted for the STP by the Bhandora panchayat.
While local the MLA and PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has expressed happiness over order, the locals of Undir have decided to challenge the order in the District Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The appeal was filed by one Mukund Naik on behalf of Undir residents, wherein he challenged the construction licence issued by the local panchayat for the STP and also sought a stay on its construction. The grounds of appeal were that the no objection certificate (NOC) and the construction licence were granted despite opposition by the locals; the STP was proposed to be constructed in residential area as such it would affect the health of the locals; the construction of STP would also affect the mangroves on the banks of River Zuvari.
The appeal had also alleged that no NOC had been given for the project by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA).
However, the February 7 order of the Additional Director of Panchayat says that the Bhandora Panchayat has produced on record the approval of the Town and Country Planning department and also the NOC of GCZMA for the proposed construction of 15 MLD STP on the property bearing survey number 119 in Bhandora.
The order further observes that the local panchayat had cleared the project in public interest and on health grounds; and also need to protect the villagers of Bhandora from pollution and water contamination.
“In what way and in which manner the said STP facility would act as health hazard is not espoused by the petitioner,” the order points out while dismissing the petition of Undir locals.
Meanwhile, expressing happiness at the order, Dhavalikar said, “It is a blow to the people with ill wishes to stop the STP at Undir despite it being a public utility, which people should support.”
Alleging that a handful of people are instigating Undir locals, the minister said that since sewage and waste water is released into water bodies leading to pollution, the government has taken up STPs at Undir, Curti, Ponda and Kavlem.
On the other hand, Gurudas Naik, who is spearheading the agitation against STP at Undir, said that some government bodies including panchayats are acting under government pressure and supporting the project. He said the project is close to residential area and is harmful to the health of locals. “Hence, we will challenge the order in higher courts and the NGT,” he added.
