PONDA: State Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral on Thursday warned that power supply will be cut if sewer connection is not taken, while emphasising that sewer connection is compulsory for households and commercial establishments to ensure pollution-free water bodies.
“Sewer connection is compulsory for households and commercial establishments to ensure that the water bodies remain clean. Those who don’t take sewer connection, their power supply will be disconnected,” Cabral said.
Cabral, who is also the PWD Minister, was speaking at an event to mark the setting up of sewer connections for VP Quela and Ponda Muncipal Council (PMC). The programme was held at Kavlem. Power Minster Sudin Dhavlikar was present on the occasion, along with Sarpanch Manuja Naik, Kavlem deputy Sarpanch Sushant Kapileshwarkar, ZP member Ganapat Naik and Panch members beside sewerage officials.
Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, PMC Chairperson Ritesh Naik, and Councillors were also present on the occasion.
He also said that 15 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will commence its operations from February 23.
“After facing some rough weather in the initial stages, the work on 15 MLD STP, which was launched in 2016, has been finally completed and the facility will be inaugurated on February 23,” the minister said.
But before that, people having water and power connections should compulsorily take sewer connections. The cost of sewer connection for bungalows is Rs 5000 while it Rs 3000 for flats in residential buildings. Also, the consumers will have to pay 30 per cent surcharge on their water bill as sewer charges.
He said water bodies and field in low lying area are polluted due to soak pits and septic tanks and because of this farmers in these areas have stopped cultivation at paddy fields and have been forced to keep their lands fallow.
