MAPUSA: A trial run at the Camarkhazan Sewage Treatment Plant in Mapusa on Friday resulted in a severe drop in the water table of wells in the surrounding areas. Worried residents of the affected localities gathered at the STP and expressed concern that the plant is contaminating the groundwater and causing severe water shortage.
During the trial, the water from the chambers was pumped, and it is suspected that water from the surrounding areas was also pumped, causing the water table to drop suddenly by almost five meters. “Already people are facing water shortage, the Mhadei diversion issue is going on. Our taps are not receiving water and in such a situation, if the wells go dry, it will be difficult to survive,” said a local. There are around 16 wells in the area, and all of them have seen a significant drop in their water levels. The leakage in chambers is also a concern, as sewage water can mix with the ground water, contaminating the fresh water supply, if the STP is commissioned without plugging these leaks.
Residents have called for a joint meeting next week to address the issue with the PWD and the local MLA.
