Team Herald
MARGAO: The Sewerage and Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Limited (SIDCGL) is likely to delay the commencement of the works to lay the pipeline of treated sewage water following strong objection from Benaulim residents.
The Benaulim villagers along with the Benaulim Panchayat will file a petition before the High Court on Monday, seeking a stay.
According to sources, the villagers and the panchayat deliberated on the issue with the South Goa District Collector on Thursday, following which the SIDCGL is likely to delay the works.
It is pertinent to note that SIDCGL was supposed to commence the digging of roads for the treated sewage pipeline from Colva to Kharebhand from April 16, for which closure of the roads for traffic movement was banned from Saturday.
Upon the request of villagers, the panchayat had resolved to file a petition before the High Court for a stay, and they have already appointed Adv Dhawal D Zaveri to represent the petitioner.
In the letter to the lawyer, the panchayat stated that it wants to file case against the SIDCGL Managing Director and the concerned authority in the appropriate court of law with regards to laying of effluent disposal pipeline from Sewage Treatment Plant, Colva to Khareband Bridge in Benaulim constituency.
The villagers were confused due to a long weekend and no time to approach the court seeking stay. However, delay in commencement of the work is likely to benefit the villagers to fight the legal battle.
The villagers said they have decided to file a separate petition before the National Green Tribunal.
“Already polluted River Sal is likely to be further contaminated, if the treated sewage water from the STP, Colva is discharged into it. And hence, we want to bring this to the notice of the NGT, seeking appropriate action”, said sources.
The villagers have further decided to approach the expert so that samples of the polluted water from the River Sal are taken and a report of the same is placed before the NGT.
