For residents of Assoi-Dongri in Chicalim, the current storm water drain which has now turned into a nullah for sewage water was once a famous spring. The water from this spring used to last through the summer season, even in the month of May and thus was used for various household purposes.
The local panchayat body, in the past had initiated steps and developed the storm water drain by constructing culverts and a retaining wall to facilitate the free flow of the spring water. However, locals today avoid going close to the nullah that has turned out to be a dumping ground for sewage with a foul smell emanating from it.
“Our elders would tell us how they used to use the spring water during the summer and how ever tankers would be filled up with this water to provide it to households. In our childhood, we frequented the spring often. This is all history now as the spring has fallen prey to the sewage menace and people responsible for this need to be taken to task,” said former Sarpanch and present panch of Chicalim, Francisco Nunes.
Locals, the panchayat body, the newly elected sarpanch, Prajyoti Kundalkar who represents the affected ward and everyone else believes that either the Airports Authority of India (AAI) or the Navy at INS Hansa have been releasing untreated sewage into the storm water drain located near the old parking lot (near INS Hansa gate) of Dabolim Airport and thereby are creating a health hazard for people.
“Sewage is let out into the storm water drains meant to carry rain water during the monsoons. On many occasions, we have complained about a foul smell emanating from the drain which is also now a severe health hazard to locals but the situation is not being dealt with. Even written complaints given to authorities have not materialized,” said Jude Joseph Thypo, a local resident and complainant in the case.
Panchayat records confirm that in the past, officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) had pulled up and even threatened legal action against the AAI after they found untreated sewage was being released into storm water drains through a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), owned and operated by AAI. “During inspection, GSPCB officials found that excess treated water from the STP had an overflow pipe from the sewage collection tank which was directed into a storm water drain. We believe the AAI is still releasing sewage into the nullah but we are making constant efforts to prove this and get to the bottom of the problem,” said a formed sarpanch, Rahul D’Costa.
Local Dabolim MLA, Mauvin Godinho said “ We can’t take this issue lightly as the sewage released by the AAI has been threatening the lives of people. Therefore, I demand that the GSPCB fix an immediate inspection and initiate some action against the AAI on the discharge of sewage into drains”
As the anger against the menace brews, sarpanch Prajyoti Kundalkar has now decided to approach GSPCB officials as well as the health department officials from Vasco to find out who exactly is responsible from the release of sewage and to initiate action as per the law. “We have decided to seek the help of the GSPCB, as well as health officials so that the source of the sewage can be traced and action against the culprits can be initiated as early as possible. Once sewage discharge is stopped, we can begin work on reviving the spring,” he said.
Where Herald contacted the director of the AAI, Goa Airport, Bhupesh Negi, he said, “Yes, it is true that we had some problems with the STP due to which one tank was overflowing. However, we have no rectified the problems. If there is some sewage discharge in the storm water drains, then it is not from AAI. If anyone has any doubt, then AAI is prepared for a joint inspection by expert agencies in the presence of the panchayat body.”
