VASCO: The residents of Vaddem, Vasco, have demanded action against the stench emanating from the Vaddem lake over the last few days. They expressed serious concern about an epidemic as the level of contamination in the lake had increased greatly. The situation is only worsening by the day.
“Every year it’s the same problem of foul smell emerging from the Vaddem lake. The situation is especially bad during the months of April and May. However, this year the situation is worse, and we fear that it can result in an epidemic if the concerned officials do not act in time,” said Ganesh Amonkar, a businessman from Vaddem.
Amonkar was right. The lake, once connected to the Zuari river, is now full of sewage released by households. If one comes in contact with the water, the consequences could be disastrous; maybe even fatal.
“The water is home to several kinds of germs, including the dangerous e-coli, which can cause various kinds of diseases like leptosporosis in the people living in the vicinity,” said Vikas Kuvelkar, the officer in-charge of the Urban Health Centre, Vasco. He added, “Last year I had written a letter to the Mormugao municipality asking them to clean the lake, which is full of sewage and is slowly becoming a dumping ground for garbage. As the issue is raised again, I will once again ask the Municipality to take some steps on priority. Besides that I will also inspect the lake and submit my report.”
Three years ago, Vasco citizen Andrew D’Cunha lodged a complaint before the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) listing the possible health hazards and threats to the lake’s bio-diversity. GSPCB officials took up the complaint and inspected the lake on January 4, 2012.
Ward councillor from Vaddem, Sudesh Kolgaonkar, said, “I am aware of the inspections carried out by the GSPCB team. Indeed, the findings of the inspection were shocking. It have observed that storm water drains from the surrounding areas and even from across the road carry waste water into the lake. Also a nullah that was connected to the lake from river Zuari is blocked with silt. It needs special attention as the regular cleaning that I do every month won’t help this time.”
Chairperson of the Mormugao Municipal Council, Lavina D’Souza, assured high-priority action against the filth accumulating in the Vaddem lake. She said that the lake had potential as a leisure and recreation spot, and that the local MLA had even proposed a major project for it.
“Before doing anything, we need to resolve this issue of foul smell and water contamination completely. I have decided to call a joint meeting this week to seek a solution on priority,” said Lavina.
Vaddem lake is the property of St Andrew’s Church, Vasco. In the past, when the lake was rich in marine life, it was rented out for fishing activities that would earn the church some revenue. Local MLA Mauvin Godinho already drew up a plan for its beautification, but the same cannot be implemented unless the problem of sewage and garbage dumping is solved.
