A sewage chamber near the South Goa District Hospital in Fatorda has been overflowing for days, spilling contaminated water into nearby fields and sparking serious public health concerns. Local farmers report that the untreated waste is damaging crops, creating foul-smelling stagnant pools, and making it unsafe to walk barefoot due to infection risks.
The proximity of the overflow to a major healthcare facility has alarmed patients and their families. “It’s not just the crops that are suffering. The entire area smells bad, and we’re worried about the health of patients and children,” said a resident.
Health experts warn the stagnant sewage is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and could trigger outbreaks of diseases like dengue, malaria, and gastroenteritis. Farmers say the issue is jeopardizing their harvests and livelihoods.
Despite alerts to local authorities, residents say no effective action has yet been taken. They are calling for urgent repairs to the sewage system and immediate sanitation efforts to restore safety and hygiene in the area.