Curchorem: Residents of Curchorem, along with members of the Goa Forward Party (GFP), have strongly opposed the ongoing construction of a sewerage treatment plant at Hodar, alleging that the project is being executed without the mandatory approvals from the concerned government departments and the Curchorem Municipal Council.
Addressing the media, Goa Forward Party leader Dattaraj Desai claimed that the project was being undertaken without obtaining the required statutory permissions. He also accused the local MLA of misleading the public regarding the execution of the project.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The protesters alleged that nearly 25 metres of the riverbank had been reclaimed for the construction of tanks for the treatment plant, resulting in the destruction of mangroves. According to them, the entire project site forms part of a mangrove ecosystem, raising serious environmental concerns.
Residents also questioned the proposed disposal of the treated wastewater, expressing fears that it could eventually be discharged into the river and pollute the water body. They pointed out that the river supports the livelihood of local fishermen and is also used annually for Ganesh Visarjan, making the preservation of water quality a matter of public importance.
Another concern highlighted by the residents was the construction of a large retaining wall along the roadside, which they believe could pose a safety hazard in the future. They also expressed apprehension that the sewerage treatment plant could be vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon due to fluctuating river water levels caused by high and low tides.
The residents have urged the Curchorem Municipal Council to immediately inspect the site, verify whether all statutory approvals have been obtained, halt the construction if necessary, and initiate appropriate action in accordance with the law.
