VASCO: Maimollem locals on Thursday complained of sewage water being discharged into the fields in the wee hours.
Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) chairperson Damodar Kaskar later assured to inspect the site and initiate action.
Anti-coal activist and Maimollem resident Sanjay Redkar said, “Out of curiosity I wanted to ascertain why there is such stench near a hotel at Maimollem. However, it was later found that sewage was discharged into Maimollem fields at two places. It was done at late night and in the wee hours.”
“I have shot a video of the full site including the sewage discharge and also in way of the 4 sakos (culverts) to ascertain and compare the difference in the flow of the water passing underneath. It is very sad to see such blatant violations of law by discharging sewage by someone. If this Government is talking about development then it should immediately take proper action to resolve this pollution hazard which is harmful to environment, humans, fish, birds, flora and fauna, etc. We are blessed with a beautiful place in middle of Vasco and we are destroying it each day. I appeal to the people of Vasco to come together to save this beautiful place,” Redkar urged.
Peter Andrade, another local from Vasco said, “The water logged area is an agricultural land which has been mismanaged. On one side, the land was filled with excavated rejects from a company to construct a swimming pool project which was shelved. The other side is now evidently become a cess pool with weeds and vegetation of all sorts. There was always a doubt that sewage was being discharged into the stagnant rainwater which has now been confirmed after removal of weeds. Some inhabitants around were blamed for directly releasing sewage. Not only public health is in danger but the environment is in great danger as migratory birds visit the place. The MLA wanted to have boat facilities and other beautification plans but these dreams seem to be lost somewhere.”
Meanwhile, MMC chairperson Damodar Kaskar said, “On Friday I will discuss this matter with the municipal engineer and an inspection will be carried out. Later, based on the inspection report we will take relevant action.”
