Team Herald
MARGAO: Concerns over sewage flowing through the Comba Subway in Margao have reignited debates about public health hazards and infrastructural shortcomings in the area. Sanjay Dessai, a college principal, whose institution is located near the subway, voiced his apprehensions about the health risks posed by the persistent sewage flow. He pointed out that sewage water was flowing along the side portion of the
subway road.
It is pertinent to note that this portion is designed for rainwater drainage. Dessai also shared photographic evidence to highlight the gravity of
the issue.
The Shadow Council for Margao (SCM) convener Savio Coutinho highlighted the recurring hardships faced by commuters and residents at the Comba level crossing. According to him, the challenges vary by season, with flooding during the monsoons, sewage overflow in the post-monsoon period, and maintenance works disrupting traffic at other times.
Coutinho recalled a similar instance last year when the local MLA, Digambar Kamat, inspected the site following reports of sewage flooding. While Kamat had attributed the issue to a septic tank in the vicinity, even clearing the suspected source failed to resolve the problem, as the seepage continued.
The SCM convener criticised the substandard work carried out by contractors of the sewage corporation, alleging that the seepage of raw sewage into the surrounding soil is evident at nearly every manhole. This, he said, leads to sewage flowing into open spaces, exacerbating the problem. Despite repeated warnings, the sewage corporation is unwilling to acknowledge the flaws.
Coutinho warned of a potential crisis, stating that the unchecked seepage could contaminate the town’s wells, leaving residents with no choice, but to abandon them.
The Margao Urban Health Centre (UHC) had taken note of the situation, urging the authorities to address the issue. Despite inspections in the past, the problem persists, indicating lack of effective solutions. The SCM called upon the PWD to ensure a watertight surface in the subway to prevent seepage and investigate the root cause of contamination.
Citizens continue to demand immediate action to mitigate the health and environmental hazards posed by the sewage flow through the subway.