MARGAO: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday carried out an inspection of the Khareband area in Benaulim, which is in the Centre of a storm on three issues- the Western Bypass, the Colva Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and the discharge of sewage into River Sal.
The CM gave an assurance that the government would work out a temporary solution for all these matters.
Sawant had arrived in Khareband on the request of Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, and got a first-hand glimpse of the blackened surface of the contaminated channel of River Sal that flows through the area.
It is to be noted that Viegas had met with the Chief Secretary (CS) of Goa on Monday and the CS had held a meeting with government officials on Tuesday regarding the release of raw sewage into River Sal.
Sawant, who enquired about the points from which sewage was being discharged into the river, said he would speak to the Departments concerned and the CS, and take action after consulting with them.
He however assured the MLA that a temporary solution would be drawn up first, in the interest of the public.
Viegas, who spoke to mediapersons after the inspection, said it is important the government understands that a temporary solution and a permanent solution are two different matters, but expressed confidence that at least now, there will be some action on the ground.
Viegas also showed the CM the point in Khareband where the Colva STP plans to release the treated sewage water.
The MLA also briefed the CM on why the locals have been objecting to this location and stressed that it should be relocated to the common point of release.
It may be recalled that the Benaulim locals have also opposed the release of treated water into the river. Suggestions have been made that the treated water be sent to hotels, gated housing societies and public gardens to be utilised for watering plants, instead.
The MLA also touched upon the Western Bypass issue where the locals have been demanding that the bypass stretch that passes through Benaulim be constructed on stilts, and not via embankments.
Viegas hoped that the government would follow up with its promise of finding a solution that is acceptable to the public.
He however reiterated that the government acts on his complaints against the Chairman and Managing Director of the Sewerage Corporation and the Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, given that raw sewage has been discharged into River Sal for several years now.
