Karsten Miranda
karsten@herald-goa.com
In response to a PIL filed earlier this year against the release of raw sewage in the open at various sites across Margao/Fatorda and surrounding areas, the PWD had assured in High Court that the same would be addressed by the end of May with the completion of the first phase of the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP).
However, it is the end of June and the problem still persists. The public continues to face a nuisance due to the release of raw sewage into the nullahs, open drains and other outlets and also the River Sal that was currently dredged is highly contaminated with raw sewerage due to negligence of the PWD department.
The advocate general had submitted to the High Court upon instructions from the PWD that the first phase of the sewerage treatment plant located at Shirvodem, Margao would be fully operational by May 2016 and the second sewerage treatment plant at the same place would be fully operational on or before December 31, 2016.
“The construction of a 6.7 MLD STP at Margao is being executed under JICA – ODA loan project. At present works of SCADA and inlet connection is in progress. Electricity connection to the STP is being pursued with the electricity department and preparations are on for trial run. On completion of the above the plant will be commissioned,” said the PWD Executive Engineer – II (S) in charge of the project.
“It is disappointing that as per the Affidavit sworn in the High Court and as per the Hon High Court directives, the Sewerage Treatment Plant which was to be commissioned in May and the sites releasing sewage in the open were to be stopped. But till date nothing has been done in this regard nor has the PWD informed us about the delay in commissioning of the Plant,” said Savio Dias, petitioner in the case.
The petition was filed by Savio on behalf of Madel residents, essentially on the ground that the sewerage treatment in Margao is not being attended to effectively and, as such, it is causing great health hazards and other discomfort to the citizens of Margao.
The petitioner pointed out eight locations where raw sewage is released directly – behind under construction district hospital, Ambajim, near St. Francis Xavier Chapel at Maddel, opposite the District and Sessions High Court, old market, near the Civil and Criminal High Court, on the Margao – Colva road, along the ring road at Comba and near River Sal at Khareband.
He had demanded action regarding untreated sewage released in open areas at Fatorda and at Margao and also due to the clogged and contaminated manholes of the Maddel sewerage link that has lost connection to the Margao sewerage line.
With respect to maintenance work of the sewer lines in the city, the PWD stated upon awarding of the work the contractor undertakes periodical cleaning of sewer lines, chambers, manholes, etc on a regular basis and specific steps are taken to avoid clogging of the sewer lines. The PWD further stated that through various agencies, they have undertaken work for improvement of operation and maintenance of sewerage at Margao.
