MARGAO: Citizens and environmentalists have expressed disappointment over the inspection carried out by various authorities concerning the release of sewage water into the nullahs that empty into River Sal. Once again, it has been exposed that the authorities failed to initiate steps to stop the pollution.
During the inspection led by the Goa State Pollution Control Board and other authorities, it was also found that the two sewage treatment plants at Shirvodem are not functioning properly, and measures of nuisance are found to exist in the vicinity of the plants.
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Citizens, including petitioner Antonio Alvares, also expressed anger at the absence of officials from a few concerned authorities and demanded that the issue be taken seriously.
It is pertinent to note that the public litigation filed by Antonio Alvares had been heard by the High Court on Tuesday, wherein, upon the urge of the petitioner, the court had directed the authorities to carry out an inspection at the site before disposing of the case.
It was a pathetic situation to witness during the inspection, wherein, at several areas, including near the Kudchadkar hospital, raw sewage was found flowing into the nullah. The nullah located in close vicinity of the sewage treatment plant was also seen sullied with sewage water, and plastic waste floating in it.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, petitioner Antonio Alvares said that such inspections have been done before but nothing has changed.
“Goa State Pollution Control Board, by now, has to realise that this is a multi-departmental problem, and there is a lack of coordination, which has resulted in no change in this situation. There are several areas where sewage is released into the gutters and nullahs, and it has to be stopped,” he stated. One of the officials of the GSBCB informed that many issues are yet to be resolved at the sewage treatment plant, particularly the diversion of sewage into the plant. Reacting to the issue, James Gomes, a farmer who was present at the inspection, expressed anger at the authorities and urged Environment Minister Alexio Sequiera to take note of the issue and resolve it immediately.“Raw sewage water from the STP continues to be released into the river without treating it. Agricultural fields are polluted due to the sewage,” he added.
