Team Herald
BENAULIM: Xaxtikars frustrated with the pollution in the Sal due to untreated sewage took at least one obvious cause for it out of the way. Temporary toilets were constructed on the edge of the river resulting in the discharge of raw sewage directly into the water body.
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These toilets have been constructed by the labourers engaged in the construction of the Western Bypass here along the border of Kharebhand and Benaulim, behind Vidya Vikas educational institute.
However, locals forced the workers to dismantle the toilets built on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Rock Fernandes, a local resident said that at the time when people of Salcete are fighting to protect the River Sal open toilets are releasing raw sewage directly into the river. This nuisance can’t be allowed.
“We can imagine the pathetic state of the River Sal, which has been polluted due to the release of sewage water for the past several years. What is more shocking is that such a situation is witnessed when all are fighting to save the River Sal — Salcete’s lifeline,” he stated.
Several labourers engaged in construction work of the Western Bypass at Khareband and nearby areas have built temporary huts, followed by temporary toilets, with no proper sanitation. And as a result, the raw sewage from these temporary toilets is directly released into the river.
MLA Venzy Viegas said that these labourers are also fully aware of the fact that no government authority is serious about the River Sal issue and as such these workers have constructed temporary toilets.
“GSPCB is not doing anything to stop such activities which are polluting the River Sal. The Environment Minister and the Chief Minister should take such situations seriously,” he said.
