Team Herald
MARGAO: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) inspected the Sal riverbank in Khareband on Friday following a complaint that sewage was being discharged into the river.
“There was a complaint from Roque Vaz of Pedda, Khareband, stating that raw sewage was being discharged into River Sal. The complaint was made to the Urban Health Centre, Margao, which forwarded the same to GSPCB,” said Jose Manuel Noronha, GSPCB chairman.
He added, “Our engineers found that a chamber from the sewage network had broken and raw sewage is indeed flowing into the Sal. A report is being prepared and directions will be issued shortly. This is a serious matter and needs to be addressed on war footing.”
It may be recalled that senior citizens in the vicinity had complained that sewage was being released into the river. Incidentally, a PIL on the matter has been filed in the High Court, which has asked the Margao Municipal Council, Sewerage Department and Chief Secretary to reply.
Garbage and sewage released in the river over the last several years has polluted the Sal. The river now emits a foul smell, which is unbearable for the locals.
Tired of the odour, Khareband residents had filed a complaint with the GSPCB. For the last one month, the water from the Shirvodem sewage treatment plant is being let into the River Sal in Khareband through an open chamber. This violation was brought to the notice of the authorities by the Shadow Council of Margao, led by Savio Coutinho.
Junior Environmental Engineer of GSPCB Digvijay Dessai informed that this is the first complaint to their office and they will submit a report to the higher authorities.
