Team Herald
MARGAO: Benaulim locals on Tuesday were literally on run from pillar to post in order to stop the contamination of the River Sal, as the Sewerage and Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Limited (SIDCGL) has planned to go ahead with the laying of a pipeline for treated sewage water.
However, people and Benaulim Panchayat have resolved to fight the legal battle against the issue.
It has been revealed that the SIDCGL is of the opinion that they don’t require to obtain any permission from the panchayat under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act 1994 for the purpose of laying of effluent disposal pipelines for sewerage projects in Colva and surrounding areas.
On Tuesday morning nearly a hundred people of Benaulim gathered at the site near Tolleaband, and protested the installation of the said pipeline, for which the works will commence from April 16. They proceeded towards the panchayat office, and after deliberating over the issue they met South Goa District Collector Ruchika Katyal in order to urge the authority to stop the works of laying the pipeline to release treated sewage water into the River Sal.
Local MLA Venzy Viegas, along with activist Royla Fernandes and a few panch members and locals participated in the protest.
People have the contention that the release of treated sewage water will further contaminate the River Sal, which is already polluted. Speaking to the media, activist Royla Fernandes appealed to all the panchayat, gram sabha members, and students to participate in the special gram sabha, which will be held and passed a resolution to protect River Sal.
“It is very much shocking to note that the SIDGL in their reply to Village panchayat of Benaulim has stated that they don’t require any NOC from the local body to carry out the works of laying pipeline,” said Fernandes.
She further said people want the panchayat body to take resolution in this matter opposing the works and fight legal battles against the SIDGL.
“People don’t want to pollute the River Sal, which is the lifeline of the Salcete taluka, and hence there is no question of discharging the treated sewage water into the river,” said Fernandes.
She further mentioned the report published by Herald pertaining to the pollution of River Sal, and said they don’t trust the SIDGL.
“In September 2021, I had put forward a proposal that the panchayat should write to the concerned department not to release treated sewage water into the River Sal,” said Fernandes and blamed the panchayat body for not showing seriousness towards the issue.
