Team Herald
MARGAO: For over a week, untreated sewage continuously leaking into the open spaces surrounding residential buildings of Junta Quarters in Pajifond, Margao, has triggered major health concerns among the locals, with the authorities yet to address the issue.
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The residents have complained that the leak appears to be due to a damaged underground pipeline. The foul smell and stagnant water have created extremely unhygienic conditions, especially for children who often play in the area.
“This is not just an inconvenience, it’s a serious health hazard,” said Sobha Desai, a long-time resident of Junta Quarters. “The authorities have been informed multiple times, but there has been no response. We are forced to live with this unbearable stench and the fear of disease,” she added
Despite repeated complaints to the civic body, the residents claim there has been no inspection or repair work carried out so far. The open sewage is not only an eyesore but also a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue and malaria.
“The children here are at risk every day,” added Mohan Naik, another resident.
“They play outside in the evenings, but now we’re scared to even let them step out. We don’t want to wait for someone to fall seriously ill before action is taken,” he added.
The situation is concerning given that this is a densely populated residential area. The flow of sewage through open spaces near homes not only causes discomfort but also raises serious environmental and public health concerns.
Residents have demanded immediate intervention from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Margao Municipal Council. They have called for urgent repairs to the damaged sewage line and proper sanitisation of the affected area to prevent any outbreak of diseases.
Until then, the people of Junta Quarters remain in distress, waiting for authorities to act before the situation worsens.
