Team Herald
MARGAO: It has been revealed that almost 15063.46 KLD (Kilo Litres per day) of sewerage is being generated in the areas located on the borders of River Sal on a daily basis. However, lack of proper sewage system in place leads to the release of raw sewage into the river, resulting in major pollution.
A report pertaining to polluted river stretches in Goa-Action Plan Strategies by River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa also stated that the river stretch at Verna, Nuvem, Majorda, Seraulim, Varca, Carmona, Assolna, Cavelossim and Ambelim being rural areas have no sewerage system, which has resulted in illegal discharge of sewage into drains.
As per the report published on August 2021 Margao (9466.20 KLD) and Navelim (1330.88 KLD) itself generate nearly 100797.08 KLD sewage on a daily basis.
“Margao and Navelim being urban areas are connected by a Sewerage system to 20+6.70 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant at Shirvodem. House sewerage connections being a continuous process are in progress at various places,” stated in the report.
Locals from Salcete are agitating against the pollution of River Sal, as the discharge of raw sewage directly into the river has not remained secret anymore. People are even alleging that the sewage department itself is engaged in discharging the sewage into the nullahs, leading to River Sal at several places.
The recent agitation by people of Benaulim opposing the laying of a pipeline for releasing treated sewage water into the river has raised many questions pertaining to the action plan by the concerned department.
A report shows that 716.25 KLD of sewage is generated in the village of Verna, followed by Nuvem-1003.10, Majorda-303.80, Seraulim 351.00, Varca 587.41, Carmona 417.31, Assolna-368.28, Cavelossim-211.11 and Ambelim 308.12 KLD.
The RRC has also listed the action plan strategies based on the sampling analysis, site survey and observations. There are strategies classified on the basis of the existing proposal in place, recommended for upgradation in order to achieve the desired objective on a short term and long-term basis.
As per the action plan diversion of Khareband nalla to North Main trunk sewerage line, which is treated in 20 MLD capacity sewage treatment plant? In order to resolve the issue of sewage in Margao and Navelim, besides in and around Margao it has been proposed to replace the old sewerage network system, lying of new system, providing house connections to the existing sewerage system. However, it is expected to be completed by May 2022, which is approaching.
The two 5 TPD biomethanation plants under the Margao Municipal Council are also shown as the part of action. De-silting of River Sal from Telaulim to Varca by the Captain of Ports and Water Resources Department (WRD) in Salcete has been mentioned as completed. However, WRD is yet to carry out de-weeding and installation of do control measures from Khareband to Navelim.
Shockingly, the concerned department failed to make operational the recycling and reuse of treated sewage from the STP located at Colva for flushing and maintaining E-flow during dry season. Instead the SIDCGL is on way to lay a pipeline to release the treated sewage water from the STP situated at Colva into the River Sal.
Speaking to Herald on the sideline of the above report Raque Cardozo from Nuvem said that it is very disgusting to note that the concerned department has failed to safeguard the river Sal from pollution due to release of sewage.
“The sewage generated in the areas attached to River Sal is shocking. What is more shocking is that a big percentage of the sewage is being discharged directly into the river,” he said.
Roshan Fernandes, from Benaulim took on the task of the government and concerned department for showing no mercy to the river Sal.
“At the first instant they failed to put in action the action plan pertaining to the treated sewage water. Why are there no plans to work out the solutions in order to make best use of the treated water? Action plan to this question can resolve all the issues pertaining to the pollution of river Sal due to the discharge of sewage,” he added.
