Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has issued directions for disconnecting water and electricity of houses and commercial establishments polluting the River Sal by letting raw sewage into the river.
The directions came at the joint meeting of the Ports department, Water Resources and Town and Country Planning.
The meeting chaired by Chief Minister was also attended by Dy Chief Minister Michael Lobo, Ports Minister Michael Lobo and WRD Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues.
“We held a presentation on River Sal dredging; all 18 panchayats coming under the area were present for the meeting along with the Captain of Ports,” Sawant told reporters.
He said that the NIO study report says that there is need to conduct dredging.
“The process will begin in six to 12 months,” Sawant stated.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting Lobo said that the water quality in River Sal has gone really bad and the government has to do something now.
“The water is contaminated that it is neither suitable for bathing nor the fish is consumable,” he said.
He added that there is serious need of dredging the river.
“Besides the various pipelines which are flowing into the river have to be clamped,” he said.
Lobo said that the CM has given directions to Ports department to send the minutes of Monday’s meeting to all panchayats and Public Health Centres.
“He has asked to identify and prepare a list of pipelines which let raw sewerage into Sal. He also wants a list of all residential colonies, guest houses, hotels and restaurants and issue them notices,” the minister said.
The minister said that the structures will have to have their own soak pits and tanks within one month.
“If they fail to fall in line, CM has directed that water and electricity to be disconnected,” he said.
