MARGAO: Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Saturday evening, inspected the River Sal and the Tollebandh along with Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas and officials from the WRD and the Sewerage Department to assess pollution in the river and review measures taken in recent years to address the issue.
The inspection was conducted after concerns over pollution in River Sal were raised in the Goa Legislative Assembly. During the visit, the minister and officials examined stretches of the river and surrounding nullahs to identify possible sources of contamination, including sewage and waste water entering the water body.
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Shirodkar said the situation in the river was “not ideal,” but noted that the government intends to adopt a planned and phased approach to address the issue. As part of this process, the WRD and Sewerage Department have been asked to carry out a joint inspection and submit a comprehensive report by the end of next week.
The report will help the government prepare budget estimates and push necessary proposals during the ongoing budget session.
Officials accompanying the minister reviewed maps of the river system in the affected area to better understand the points where pollution may be entering the river. The exercise focused on identifying specific locations where sewage and waste water may be flowing into the river and examining nearby drainage channels and nullahs.
It was also decided to verify whether any external sources were dumping waste water or sewage into the nullahs that eventually flow into the river, so that such sources can be identified and addressed.
During the inspection, Viegas provided a detailed rundown of developments relating to the river and the surrounding areas. He briefed the minister on the work carried out so far by the WRD and Sewerage Department and also outlined measures he felt should be taken to address the problem more effectively. The MLA also explained the situation during the monsoon season, when increased flow and drainage conditions affect the river and adjoining areas.
Shirodkar said efforts would focus on tracing the sources of pollution and putting in place measures to prevent sewage and waste water discharge into the river. In areas where houses are currently without sewerage connections, the minister said connections are expected to be provided within the next one to two months.
However, he noted that in certain low-lying areas where conventional pipelines may not be feasible, alternative technologies may be explored. Among the options discussed was the use of vacuum-based sewerage systems to prevent untreated discharge from entering the river.
The minister also spoke about the possibility of laying additional sewerage pipelines extending roughly half a kilometre on either side of identified pollution points to help intercept and divert waste water.
Water quality monitoring will also form part of the plan. Shirodkar said the authorities would test the quality of water in the river to understand the extent of pollution and evaluate the effectiveness of remedial measures.
He said he would personally monitor the progress of the work to ensure the plan is implemented.
The minister added that he would speak to the concerned departments and the district Collector regarding the matter and the proposed measures. He also said the issue would be taken up with the Chief Minister, where the views of Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas would also be placed, in addition to the discussions that have already taken place in the Assembly.
Viegas, who accompanied the minister during the inspection, said he would also monitor the situation closely and follow up with the concerned departments to ensure the proposed measures move forward.
Later in the day, the MLA launched beautification works undertaken along one stretch of the river along with workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Officials indicated that the inspection covered several stretches through which the river flows, allowing the team to assess conditions across different locations before preparing the report that will guide further action.
