MARGAO: Locals from Shirvodem, and nearby areas urged the concerned departments to take serious note of the pollution caused due to the sewage being released into the open drains. They are of the opinion that the entire sewage network needs to be put in place in order to avoid further pollution, and health hazards.
Herald revealed that the drains heading towards the Shirovdem from ESI hospital and Ravi Raj hotel have become rivulets of sewage. These drains are witnessed flowing all the time, but carrying only the raw sewage which is being released by the housing societies, and hotels.
Speaking to Herald, Peter D’souza from the locality informed that in the earlier days this drains used to carry clean water, besides dry in the summer season. However, for the last several years everything has changed, and people can only witness sewage and stink in the drains.
“Shockingly, today the priorities of the government have changed to such an extent that instead of stressing on the sewage network our departments are giving priority in constructing sewage channels,” said Savio Coutinho.
He further said that the government departments should not mix the priorities, and should focus on completion of the sewage network.
He further said that several housing societies have applied for sewage connections in vain.
“Sewage department is facing a tough time getting NOC from the National Highway Authorities to cut the roads in order to lay the pipes for sewage connections. People are at the losing end, as other departments are serving them notices for releasing sewage into the open drains,” said Coutinho.
Sewage department is on the record that people and housing societies are not taking sewage connections, despite urging repeatedly. However, here at Shirvodem and nearby areas applications are pending for the last several years for connections.
“Few years ago citizens of this area had submitted a memorandum to the sewage department asking to lay down another sewage pipeline on the other side of the road so that connections are given without any delay, but nothing has been done to date. At the same time it has been also noticed that the department is giving sewage connections on a selective basis,” said another locals.
Prakash Pai, Assistant Engineer of Sewage Department said that they are working hard to clear the drains carrying sewage.
“Presently we are pumping the sewage from the drains at old Kudchadkar hospital and shifting that in the Sewage Treatment Plant”, he informed.
He further said that leakage in sewage pipelines at other places like Comba, and Fatorda is due to the non-compilation of the North Main line.
