Team Herald
MARGAO: As the High Court hearing approaches on Tuesday regarding the ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the discharge of sewage and waste into Margao’s storm water drains, which ultimately pollutes the River Sal and nearby bodies like Salpem Lake in Navelim, petitioner Professor Antonio Alvares continues to emphasize that much more needs to be done to resolve the issue permanently.
Despite the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) sealing several establishments in Margao, Alvares points out that significant challenges remain.
“The water flowing into the nullah remains as polluted as ever. It's testing the patience of the farmers. The Municipal Council has shown little urgency in addressing this problem. Neither the State Government, Water Resources Department (WRD), Public Works Department (PWD), Health Department, Margao Municipal Council (MMC), nor the GSPCB seem to understand the distinction between a gutter and a nullah, which should only carry rainwater. The sewage network, on the other hand, is connected to the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP). Storm water nullahs should not carry any waste, including dirty water. Unfortunately, local authorities seem indifferent as long as the sewage continues to flow into Navelim fields and the River Sal,” Alvares stated.
He also highlighted the improper disposal of waste, including chicken, beef, mutton, and pork waste from the SGPDA market. “The MMC doesn't collect this waste, and it can be seen floating in the River Sal near Khareband,” he alleged.
Incidentally, Alvares is also the leader of the Navelim farmers group that have faced challenges due to the sewage contamination of the fields in Navelim village.
Ports Min denies plans for jetties on River Sal
MARGAO: Amid growing concerns over proposed jetties on the Sal River, Ports Minister Alexio Sequeira categorically denied any government plans for such projects. He stated that there was no proposal with the government to construct even a single jetty on the Sal, dismissing allegations raised by Congress functionaries. Sequeira questioned how Congress had arrived at the conclusion that jetties were being planned for the river.
The minister’s remarks came after the Benaulim Congress block committee submitted a petition to South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, voicing concerns over alleged plans to construct three additional jetties on the river. Congress cited announcements made by the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC), which listed waterway projects across India, including river Sal.
Local fishing communities from Benaulim, Navelim, and Velim have raised alarms about the potential environmental fallout of such developments, particularly fears of coal transportation through the proposed jetties. The petition highlighted the importance of river Sal for traditional fishing activities, with major fish unloading centres at Cutbona and Mobor.
South Goa District Congress President Savio D’Silva has announced plans to escalate the matter at gram sabhas of riverside panchayats. He pointed out the river’s existing pollution issues, including high E. coli levels due to sewage discharge, and argued that additional industrial activity could further threaten the fragile ecosystem and local livelihoods.
Despite Sequeira’s denial, Congress has insisted on transparency regarding the IWDC’s announced plans and their potential implications for the river.