Overflowing sewage drains near the South Goa District Hospital have triggered alarm among local residents and farmers, as untreated wastewater continues to flood nearby fields and roads.
The incident is being called a growing public health hazard, particularly worrying as the hospital serves hundreds of patients daily.
For the farmers of Fatorda, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. Sewage water has been seeping into agricultural land, leaving large portions of the fields waterlogged and unsuitable for cultivation.
“These fields have been cultivated for generations. We depend entirely on this land for our livelihood,” said Paul Fernandes, a local farmer whose family has been farming in Fatorda for over several years. “Now, because of poor planning and negligence, we’re watching our crops rot before our eyes.”
On Tuesday morning, a group of farmers gathered near the affected area to protest against what they say is years of inaction by authorities. They held placards and shouted slogans demanding immediate repairs and accountability from the Public Works Department and local authorities.
“This is not the first time we’re dealing with this issue,” said Rosario Araujo, another protesting farmer. “The entire sewerage network is unplanned. There is no proper drainage system in place. Every monsoon, it’s the same story. The water carries disease, and it’s affecting not just our crops but also our families' health.”
The overflowing drains have also raised concerns about the safety and hygiene of the hospital premises. With stagnant sewage water collecting dangerously close to the hospital’s entrance, residents fear the potential spread of diseases, especially during the monsoon season.
Locals say they have written to various departments, including the Goa State Pollution Control Board, but have yet to see meaningful action. Many believe that this issue reflects broader problems in Goa’s urban infrastructure planning and sewage management.
Farmers and residents are now demanding an urgent, long-term solution that includes repairing the drains and ensuring regular maintenance.
MARGAO:After nearly three weeks without a head, the Village Panchayat of Navelim is set to elect a new Sarpanch on July 3, following an official directive issued by the Directorate of Panchayats.
The order, signed by Siddhi T Halarnkar, Director of Panchayats, comes in the wake of growing public concern over the administrative vacuum created by the resignation of the former Sarpanch, Minguel Cardozo. He had stepped down from his position earlier this month.
The delay in initiating the process to elect a new Sarpanch had drawn criticism from a section of Navelim residents, who voiced their dissatisfaction over the lack of direction in panchayat affairs. With the post lying vacant, certain development works and administrative decisions were reportedly stalled.
Responding to these concerns, the Directorate moved to set a date for the election meeting, which will now take place on July 3 at the Navelim panchayat office. The elected members of the panchayat will convene to vote and elect the new head.
The upcoming election is expected to be closely watched by villagers and local political observers alike, as leadership at the grassroots level plays a crucial role in addressing civic issues and implementing welfare schemes.