MARGAO: The lush village of Sao Jose de Areal is facing a potential health disaster as sewage from the Ramnagari Co-operative Housing Society continues to flow unchecked into public drains, leaving local residents worried for their well-being. Due to the escalating risks, villagers have taken a bold step by holding the concerned authorities accountable for their failure to address the issue, despite repeated complaints.
The once pristine public drains have now become potential breeding grounds for disease, prompting the villagers to unite in demanding immediate intervention. Frustrated by the lack of action, the locals voiced their grievances, calling on the authorities to prevent further deterioration of the village’s hygiene and health standards. According to the villagers, a notice was issued for the disconnection of water supply to 195 members of the housing society, but the order has not been implemented by the concerned department. Sewage from the society continues to flow into public drains and open spaces in the locality, raising a stink.
“Since 2001, the society has been in existence, and all its sewage has been released into drains heading towards the nullah. Numerous health issues related to sewage were reported in the past,” said Peter Viegas, a villager. Complaints have been filed with the concerned authorities on multiple occasions, but no action has been taken to date.
Fredy Travaso, another villager, told Team Herald that a notice was issued to the housing society for the disconnection of water supply due to its failure to resolve the sewage issue. He challenged the concerned department and the Environment Minister to visit the site personally and witness the hardships faced by locals due to sewage being released in open areas from the society. Travaso emphasised that the health hazard in the area is the sole responsibility of the government, as they have failed to take timely action to address the sewage discharge issue.
