The purpose of the visit was to understand the benefits of the desilting and to check the sources of pollution, which are reportedly being neglected.
While understanding the need of the government’s ambitious project of desilting and beautification of the River Sal, the SCM hopes that the authorities also attend to the sources of pollution simultaneously.
“The desilting work costing Rs 9 crore is expected to be completed in 120 days, but plugging or diversion of the sources of pollution is unlikely to be completed for the next 8 to 12 months. The Rs 200 crore in total being spent shall serve no purpose, but will flow along with the filth down the River Sal,” said Savio Coutinho.
He added, “SCM demands that the government take immediate and time-bound steps to contain the sources of pollution before the completion of the desilting work, failing which the public shall not allow the desilting to be carried out at the stretch where the sources of pollution are not contained.”
SGM member Agostinho Gama lamented that all along the banks of the River Sal, from Khareband Bridge downstream, raw sewage is directly released into the river, including from the sewage network chambers. He added that a police complaint had been filed, but no action was taken. He added that the most disgusting fact is the dumping of animal waste into the river by a slaughter house and the MMC was turning a blind eye to the issue.
