MARGAO: Outrage is mounting in Navelim as authorities continue to ignore the alarming release of sewage into Salpem Lake, contaminating nearby agricultural fields. Farmers are incensed as their fields are being polluted, risking their livelihoods and health, while officials remain inert. With the monsoon already underway, fears and concerns among farmers and locals are intensifying day by day. They worry that their fields will be contaminated due to the flow of sewage, potentially affecting cultivation and agricultural productivity.
In June, the High Court of Bombay at Goa directed all respondents to submit compliance affidavits concerning the pollution caused by sewage discharge into fields and the River Sal at Salpem Lake. This response was prompted by a PIL writ petition filed by Prof Antonio Alvares of Sinquetim-Navelim.
The petitioner asserted that despite initial measures taken by authorities, the flow of sewage remained unabated. Their concern centred on the discharge of excrement, garbage, junk, leaves, rubbish, runoff, slop, and trash through fields into the River Sal during the monsoon season. This apprehension has proven to be valid.
On Thursday, Prof Alvares informed O Heraldo that sewage has already begun flowing into agricultural lands during this monsoon season. “Several farmers will undoubtedly be affected as they prepare to cultivate their fields. Currently, there are no effective measures in place to prevent field pollution, as sewage has entered the fields along with rainwater,” he claimed. He expressed frustration that this situation persists despite clear directives from the court.
Former Margao Chairperson Savio Coutinho said raw sewage takes on a different form during the rains. “During monsoon, we also observe rainwater entering the sewage network lines and overflowing like fountains from manhole chambers into drains and nearby low-lying areas,” he said. “The authorities’ inability to stop this flow of sewage into Salpem Lake and the agricultural fields through nullahs and gutters is a disgrace,” he declared.
