SHWETA KAMAT
PANJIM: Sewerage water, which usually pollutes the rivers or the groundwater is what will now keep the highways green. Eco-friendly firm Sustainable Design Solution has developed a technology – Sewage Treatment and Dispersal System (STADS) – that can use sewerage water, without any foul smell, to water the plants.
After successfully implementing the ‘Make in Goa’ initiative in various residential complexes, commercial premises and some 70 other establishments, the company has embarked on ambitious plans which will save the environment in a bigger way.
STADS, patented by Colvale-based Joseph Lobo, a former merchant navy captain almost eight year ago, will now focus on developing green corridors across National Highways under a State government project. It also eyes to rejuvenate around 150 sq kilometers of denuded land in mining areas using this technology, which has received the approval from Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
Reacting to Herald (April 18) report ‘In Goa, No Land for Afforestation, Funds remained Unutilized’, Lobo approached the newspaper with the STADS initiative, which he claims is a complete system for handling and dispersal of sewage in an environmental friendly manner.
“STADS involves storing human waste in a collection tank and treating this valuable resource in a bio-reactor. We add effective microorganisms to it, which kills the odour. The water then goes through various levels of filtration. The water is then supplied through small pipelines to the roots of the trees planted as a part of the system,” Lobo explained, adding, “The trees may vary from decorative to fruits to vegetables or flower bearing trees.”
Stating that the expenditure incurred in adopting the technology is minimal, Lobo is now banking on proposals submitted to the government, for developing green corridors across highways and rehabilitation of mining areas, to expand the project on a larger scale in the interest of the State.
“It is proposed to use STADS to reforest new highways with good Konkan variety trees and medicinal plants. It can use the water from the new sewage treatment plants for this purpose,” he said.
Initially, it is looking at developing the projects in Mapusa, Porvorim, Aldona, Calangute-Baga road stretches.
Also, Lobo said, they have submitted a proposal to Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) for developing green corridors across National Highways under the project approved by Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways. “The talks are in the final stage and GSIDC has shown interest,” he said adding, “The Ministry has kept aside one percent of the construction cost for the purpose.”
Speaking about the proposal in the mining belt, which is pending with the State government since 2013, Lobo said that STADS will provide a comprehensive solution to transform dead soil. “This will facilitate reforesting these mining areas by providing not only water but also nutrients. This can also promote farming thus providing an alternative means of livelihood to the people dependent on mining,” he explained.
