TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CALANGUTE: The open discharge of sewage at various places in Calangute has threatened to tarnish the reputation of the famed coastal village in the State.
While political rivals have been pointing fingers at each other for the menace, residents, tourists and those running businesses have feared that the sewage problem could seriously jeopardize their health, besides affecting tourism and business in Calangute.
“Very often, PWD drinking water has been contaminated in the area due to open discharge of sewage by hoteliers. The matter has been reported to PWD officials and other authorities, but the problem still persists,” complained a local resident.
Highlighting the discharge of sewage during his recent campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo alleged that the Calangute panchayat was more concerned about welfare of hoteliers than the well-being of villagers.
“I have directed health officials to immediately report the matter to Goa State Pollution Control Board and explore possible actions to resolve the sewage disposal issue at the earliest. However, the ultimate solution in expediting the sewerage network in Calangute,” Lobo said.
Hitting back, Lobo’s friend-turned-archrival and Calangute de facto leader Joseph Sequeira claimed that “political interference” had deprived the Calangute panchayat of acting in the matter.
“The discharge of sewage by hotels in open drains in and around Naika Vaddo has been causing all sorts of problems for residents and the Calangute panchayat,” said Sequeira.
“The Calangute panchayat is trying it best to solve the problem but the government authorities are reluctant to take firm action in the matter.”
“Whenever the local body has tried to resolve the issue amicably there has been political pressure or interference by governing bodies. Electricity supply to the erring buildings was disconnected, but it was restored due to political pressure,” added Sequeira.
