MARGAO: Finally, upon the directions of the High Court, all the concerned departments made their mind to come together in order to resolve the issue pertaining to pollution of Salpem lake at Shirvodem, as inspection was held on Wednesday.
At the same time it was also exposed that no-coordination between the concerned departments has resulted in worsening of the Salpem Lake since for the past several years.
During the inspection it was further revealed that the Highway Authority of the Public Works Department failed to give permission of sewage connections to the housing societies leading the residents to release of raw sewage into the nullahs that flow into the lake.
It is pertinent to note that Antonio Alvares, citizen of Navelim, had filed a petition in this regard before the High Court. He had urged the court to issue directions to the concerned departments to come out with an action plan so that further pollution to the Salpem Lake is avoided. Upon which the court had issued notices to the Margao Municipal Council, besides others.
Before the inspection a meeting was held with Agnelo Fernandes, Chief Officer, Margao Municipal Council, petitioner Alvares, besides, representatives of Public Works Department, Sewage Corporation, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Margao Urban Health Centre attended the meeting. Thereafter all proceeded to the site at Shirvode, where the locals also gathered and put forth their grievances pertaining to sewage connections.
Speaking to media persons, the Chief Officer said upon the directions of the High Court, meeting and inspection were held in order to find out the solutions to avoid further pollution to the Salpem Lake.
“Petitioner has pointed out some sources from which the lake is getting polluted, and urged to stop it. During the inspection held earlier it was found that nearly 160 complexes and hotels are releasing sewage into the nullahs leading towards the lake and River Sal,” he said.
CO also said that the MMC has already issued notices to all those housing complexes and hotels.
“In today’s meeting we have decided to find some solutions. Petitioner is also of the opinion that disconnection of water and electricity will not help in resolving the issue, and hence we are trying our best to come out with a concrete action plan with the help of all stakeholders and concerned departments,” said Agnelo.
Petitioner Antonio said that the health department needs to go and find out the health hazard created due to the pollution of sewage into the nullahs and Salpem Lake.
He also expressed doubt with regard to the working of Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) at Shirvodem.
“In the evening one cannot stand close to the plant and nearby areas, as the stink is unbearable. Reluctant to give the sewage connections means there is something wrong going on at the STP,” he stated.
Antonio also expressed his satisfaction with regard to the joint-inspection carried out by all the concerned departments.
“Other departments had not turned up to hear the grievances of the people before,” he said.
Viraj Arabekar, sanitary inspector of the civic body said they have called all the concerned departments to deliberate on the issue upon the directions of the High Court.
“We need to find some solution for this mess. It has been brought to our notice that the National Highway Authority also failed to issue the permissions for new sewage connections, despites applications from the housing societies,” he added.
