MARGAO, AUG 24
With time running out for the Colva village to tackle sewage disposal in the drains and water bodies, the village panchayat has written to the Tourism Department to allot space to build a soak pit and septic tank for the stalls leased out by the department.
Panchayat officials said that most of the stalls leased out by the Tourism Department are not connected to soak pits and septic tanks, with the waste water finding its way in the adjoining creek, contaminating the water body.
“The Panchayat has written a letter to the Tourism department to allot space to build the soak pit and septic tank. We are awaiting reply from the department”, stated Panchayat secretary Alaudin.
He said the Panchayat has decided to approach the Tourism department since most of the stalls leased out by the department have no provision for septic tank or soak pits.
Meanwhile, health officials have begun inspecting the 34-odd hotels and business establishments in Colva to find out whether they have complied with provisions relating to Sewage Treatment Plants, garbage disposal and kitchen waste water.
So far, health officials have inspected two establishments and the report found that though one of the hotel had made provision for a STP plant, the same was not in operation.
The Panchayat secretary pointed out that the Panchayat body would act on the report submitted by the health department. “If any hotel is found violating the provisions of the Health Act, the Panchayat would act accordingly by revoking the NOCs. The deputy collector would also be approached for disconnection of power and water supply to the erring establishments”, Alaudin said.
Village Sarpanch Angela Borges said the entire exercise may take some time, but hastened to add that the Panchayat would try to complete the work by September end.
“We are trying our level best to ensure that the hotels and establishments comply with the sanitary and health provisions before the onset of the new tourist season”, Borges added.
The Goa Pollution Control Board had earlier this year warned the village Panchayat and other departments that Colva village may face an epidemic if no coordinated action is forthcoming from various agencies to tackle the discharge of sewage in the drains, water bodies and the Colva creek.
