Residents of Ponda have raised serious concerns after choked sewage was seen overflowing from sewerage chambers along with rainwater onto the main road near Almeida High School. The overflow, which drained into nearby gutters, has created an unbearable stench in the area, prompting calls for immediate intervention by the concerned authorities.
Locals pointed out that a similar incident occurred a few months ago near the PMC office at Tisk-Ponda, where a blockage was eventually cleared. However, the recurrence of such issues has cast doubt on the overall efficiency of the town’s sewerage infrastructure.
Social workers Viraj Sapre and John Mascrenhas voiced their concern over the health risks posed by the overflowing sewage and questioned the functioning of the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP). Sapre stated, “It has already been claimed that the Sewerage Plant for Ponda is operational. However, a tanker from Margao was seen suctioning the choked sewage here. This raises questions about the actual efficiency of the STP.”
Both Sapre and Mascrenhas have urged sewerage department officials to visit the affected site and take immediate action to prevent further overflow.
Additionally, locals reported that during the rains, water seepage into sewage chambers is commonly observed in the low-lying areas of Curti, adding further strain to the already overwhelmed system.