MARGAO: There were positive vibes witnessed with regard to the commissioning of Colva Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and the issue related to the project, as the newly elected Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas along with the locals suggested another 15 MLD tank to store the treated water instead of pipeline to release it into River Sal.
The MLA also urged to the concerned authorities to take all the necessary precautions before the sewage treatment plant gets started.
During the meeting-cum-inspection held on Thursday, the locals and MLA express fear that the sewage pipeline especially laid to release the treated sewage water can create problems in the near future.
Venzy assured that the dug up roads for the laying of sewage pipeline will be restored before the monsoon. He will be meeting the new Chief Minister and will discuss the same once the swearing ceremony is done with.
It is pertinent to note that a few years before the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) had expressed its interest in commissioning the Colva Sewage Treatment Plant, the locals have raised objections to it.
The officials of the Corporation had even said no possibility of shifting the structure that is nearing completion at this stage.
There were demands of the locals to relocate the plant away from its current location as it is in close proximity to a football ground and metres away from Colva Beach. Even the local Colva Panchayat had issued show cause notice to the Corporation taking into consideration the objections from the locals.
The locals had also raised apprehensions that the treated water will be released directly into the sea.
However, now the newly elected MLA met the officials of the Corporation and deliberated on the issue. He took stock of the plant and its functioning.
Prakash Pai, executive engineer, besides Pradeep Patil, project consultant was present at the meeting.
Speaking to the media persons after the meeting, the MLA said that this sewage treatment plant is on the verge of completion, but for the Goans, environment and Goa is first.
“After deliberating with the officials of Corporation it has been understood that probably the laying of pipeline towards River Sal would be avoided. The work of laying down a 1.9 kilometre pipeline is yet to be completed. They require Rs 3 crore for laying down the remaining pipeline, which is yet to be completed,” he stated.
Further, Venzy said that instead of that pipeline, another 15 MLD tank can be constructed at the complex of the plant itself by spending 50 per cent of the cost of the remaining pipeline.
“Treated water can be preserved in that 15 MLD tank and then we can probably do a tie-up with any of the hotels from hospitality industry or Tourism Department for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to use the treated water from the plant. Assumption can be given to the concerned industry towards the cost of lifting the treated water,” he suggested.
The MLA is of the opinion that this system can give relief to the locals.
“Doing so, at least 50 per cent of the money which is supposed to be spent on the project can be given back to the government. We can create a history by implementing such a type of system like in Delhi,” he stated.
He further said that a detailed report will be prepared and it will be sent to the Managing Director of the SIDCGL by the next couple of days, till then the work of the plant needs to be kept on hold.
“It will be a feather on the cap of the new BJP government that they have avoided the laying of pipeline and built a tank to store the treated sewage water. It will be a pro-people decision of the government,” Venzy said.
He also informed that a meeting with the PWD has been held and roads leading towards the Colva Beach will be restored before the monsoon.
