Team Herald
MARGAO: After being pulled up by the High Court of Bombay at Goa, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) and the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Limited (SIDCGL), finally submitted detailed affidavits revealing their actions and challenges in addressing sewage discharge into Salpem Lake in Navelim and River Sal as part of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that the court is presently hearing.
SIDCGL clarified that it cannot undertake new sewer connections to the SGPDA retail market complex, citing a February 2024 government circular that transfers this responsibility to the PWD’s Sewerage Division which is looking into the matter. The corporation has also expressed practical difficulties in implementing the proposed Phytorid Bed treatment system along the nullah flowing into the Salpem Lake.
According to SIDCGL’s affidavit, they have already installed a KT Weir system for intercepting and diverting water from the nullah to the STP during non-monsoon seasons. However, during monsoons, the system cannot handle the heavy storm water flow as STPs are designed solely for domestic sewerage treatment. The corporation explained that the proposed Phytorid Bed treatment would require a civil tank structure with filtration media and plants, which would block the natural flow of the nullah, making continuous treatment unfeasible.
Notably, SIDCGL has tendered an unconditional apology to the High Court for the delay in filing their response, explaining that the time was needed to engage legal representation.
Meanwhile, the MMC has reported significant enforcement actions in its affidavit. The council has issued closure notices to 30 commercial establishments for failing to obtain sewage connections and has begun enforcement measures against multiple non-compliant businesses.
In addressing unauthorised operations, MMC's inspection revealed that out of 64 commercial establishments initially flagged, 24 had valid trade licences, 10 were licenced gaddas, and two were sopo payers. While 18 shops were found closed, show cause notices have been issued to nine businesses operating without trade licences.
The council has also convened core committee meetings to address sewage discharge in low-lying areas such as Malbhat and Gandhi Market. A potential solution involving Vacuum Technology for sewerage is under consideration, with PWD engineers conducting surveys in these areas. The system would require approximately 80 to 100 square metres of space for installation, though detailed reports from PWD are still pending.
In the specific case of the Bondre Chawl area on Navelim Road, officials noted that some units are likely to be demolished due to road widening plans, exempting them from immediate sewerage system considerations.
MMC’s Chief Officer, Melvyn Anthony Vaz, confirmed that two review meetings were held - on November 27 and December 27, 2024 - to specifically address the challenges in low-lying areas. The Council has requested a comprehensive report on the potential implementation of Vacuum Technology in Gandhi Market, Malbhat, and Calcondem areas, with space allocation decisions pending MMC approvals.