Locals, commuters wading through contaminated rainwater highlight health hazard
Team Herald
MARGAO: The onset of the monsoon has once again exposed the chronic failure of Margao’s sewage infrastructure, completed less than a year ago, as sewage chambers in key areas such as Arlem, Fatorda, Aquem-Margao, and Colva have begun to overflow, mixing with stormwater and creating dangerous and unhygienic conditions for residents.
With sewage spilling onto roads and walkways, citizens are sounding the alarm over serious health risks, including potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases - like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis and amoebic dysentry.
The foul odour, contaminated water, and unsanitary conditions have disrupted daily life, sparking anger among locals, who accuse the authorities of neglect.
“This isn’t just an inconvenience anymore—it’s a public health threat,” said a Fatorda resident. “Our children have to walk through sewage water to get to school. It’s disgraceful that this keeps happening every year.”
In Arlem and Aquem-Margao, several streets have become waterlogged with sewage, affecting residents, commuters, and businesses alike. In Colva, a key tourist area, shopkeepers reported a significant drop in foot traffic due to the stench
and filth.
“Every year during the rains, we face this nightmare. The authorities never prepare in advance,” said a shop owner in Arlem. “Why should the public suffer for their negligence?”
Residents are now demanding immediate intervention from the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) and the Sewerage Department. Their demands include urgent desilting of choked sewage lines, regular maintenance of sewage chambers, and the implementation of a comprehensive, long-term sewage management plan for the town.
Peter Viegas, a local resident, warned—along with others—that if the issue is not addressed swiftly, it could lead to outbreaks of serious infections, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
“This is a failure of governance and planning. We need urgent solutions, not excuses,” said Krishna Shirodkar, another concerned
citizen.
Despite years of complaints, the problem remains unresolved. With the monsoon only just beginning, citizens are calling for accountability and immediate corrective action from civic authorities.
Cavelossim-Mobor reels as Sal spits dead fish, hyacinth onto beach
Team Herald
MARGAO: The scenic Cavelossim-Mobor beach belt is facing a fresh environmental crisis after heavy rains triggered a flow of dead fish and water hyacinth from the Sal River, washing them ashore and alarming both locals and tourists.
The decaying fish and tangled aquatic plants have not only created a foul stench but also raised serious concerns about pollution and ecological damage. Locals are now demanding that the situation be declared an environmental emergency, warning that failure to act swiftly could cause long-term harm.
“This is not just a matter of inconvenience; it’s an environmental emergency,” said Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz. “We need urgent intervention to prevent further degradation of our beaches and waterways. The Sal River is being choked, and now the pollution is reaching our shores.”
Vaz has appealed to the state government and relevant environmental agencies to undertake an immediate clean-up operation. He warned that the issue, if ignored, could escalate—posing threats to the region’s delicate ecosystem and its tourism-driven economy.
Residents believe the incident is a direct result of poor waste management and the lack of regular maintenance of the Sal River. Over time, pollutants and invasive aquatic plants like water hyacinth have built up, clogging the waterway. The recent heavy rainfall is believed to have flushed this material into the sea, from where it was pushed back onto the beach by the tides.
The Cavelossim-Mobor coast, known for its pristine sands and
luxury resorts, now faces the dual challenge of cleaning up the mess and managing public perception, especially with the tourism season around the corner.
Environmental groups and concerned citizens have called for long-term action—such as systematic river desilting, regular environmental monitoring, and improved waste disposal measures—to ensure such incidents don’t recur.
S Goa Collector puts a rush on pre-monsoon works
Team Herald
MARGAO: In response to the recent heavy rains and flooding across Salcete taluka, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus, IAS, has directed all departments and local bodies to immediately expedite pre-monsoon works.
The orders were issued during a review meeting held at the Collectorate on Friday, where officials assessed disaster preparedness across the region.
“We have broadly discussed the status of pre-monsoon preparedness and noticed that many panchayats and municipalities are still lagging behind. We cannot afford further delays,” said Collector Cleetus, highlighting concerns related to desilting, landslide-prone areas, flooding hotspots, and tree trimming.
Flooding has already been reported in several parts of Salcete. The Collector instructed Block Development Officers and municipal Chief Officers to speed up desilting and drain-clearing to avert further incidents. “We have given clear directions to all local authorities to complete the remaining works at the earliest to prevent any disaster,” she said.
The Power Department has confirmed that tree trimming is in progress. Cleetus also warned that ongoing road digging must be completed and roads restored without delay. “Digging during the monsoon is hazardous and can worsen flooding,” she noted.
Across Salcete, 9 houses, numerous trees lost to storm
Team Herald
MARGAO: Incessant pre-monsoon showers for the third consecutive day triggered widespread waterlogging, tree falls, and property damage across Salcete. As many as nine houses were damaged in Margao and Cuncolim after trees were uprooted, with several vehicles and compound walls also bearing the brunt.
Heavy rains and gusty winds lashed the region on Thursday night and Friday. Fire and emergency services responded to multiple tree fall incidents, with reported losses running into lakhs of rupees.
Margao Station Fire Officer (SFO) Gil Souza said his teams handled 17 emergency calls in 24 hours. “Four houses in Margao and nearby areas were damaged by falling trees,” he said. “Three vehicles and three compound walls were also affected.” No injuries were
reported.
Cuncolim SFO Truptesh Naik reported 11 emergency calls, with five houses damaged by tree collapses. His team also cleared fallen trees from roads in Morpirla, Panzorconi, Chinchinim, and Cuncolim, restoring traffic movement. Damage assessments are underway.
In Cavelossim, a large tree caused structural damage to a house, while in Talvaddo and other parts of Cuncolim, three more homes were similarly affected.
In Aquem-Margao, a tree fell on House No. 48 near Taye Bandh, causing damage worth Rs 20,000. Fire personnel, led by Leading Fire Fighter S.R. Naik, managed to save property worth Rs 50,000.
Other incidents included a tree collapse near a fabrication garage in Navelim and another near the Velankanni statue at Khodpakode, Ascona–Benaulim, resulting in estimated damage of Rs 5,000.
In Benaulim, trees fell on compound walls near Vicky Garage at Pulwaddo and on the approach road to Vishant Theatre, causing combined damage of Rs 10,000. Fire personnel also saved property worth Rs 2 lakh when a tree struck a wall near Vicky Garage.