SHWETA KAMAT
As the southwest monsoon has become active over Goa coast with State receiving heavy showers, the residents of St Inez, Taleigao and Caranzalem are living under fear of possible flooding as the free flow of rain water is likely to be impacted by the increasing siltation of the St Inez Creek, as the water bodies naturally drain water from large tracts of fields and inhabitations. Not just this but what is also worrisome is likely a breakdown of epidemic in the vicinity.
The failure to clean the contaminated St Inez Creek and further affecting free flow of creek due to the construction of bridge across Campal lane, is likely to result into inundation of nearby fields and consequent flooding of low lying areas like Camrabhat and Tonca. Panjim has been reeling under flood-like situation nearly every year. In 2014 and again in 2016, it became one of the worst-affected areas as water entered in few of the houses in Taleigao, St Inez, Nagali, Tonca with siltation of St Inez Creek being the prime reason.
Right in the heart of Goa’s capital flows the most polluted watershed, befouled by generations of waste and overflow from commercial and private establishments, located along the bank of the creek. It is not hard to spot or smell the filth in and around the creek, where the situation has worsened for last couple of weeks. It is a different case that the situation had never improved in the past.
The creek, which has been crying for attention for more than a decade now, is presently — and has been always — an oily, rainbow-slicked “water” body chockfull of cans, plastic bottles and bags, raw sewage and decaying food. Perhaps the hardest thing to spot in all of this is the water itself.
“As you can see, the creek has already started overflowing near Tonca and Camrabhat area at the very beginning of the season. If monsoon continues at the current speed, then the creek water will undoubtedly enter the fields and houses, being low lying areas,” Munalal Lamani, having a small house right next to the creek, explains.
David D’Costa another resident has raised serious concern about the health of the people living in the vicinity of the creek. “See the condition of the creek. It is full of plastic waste, debris, sewage, waste from poultry, etc. The condition is serious. It is stinking and there is every fear of possible epidemic now during monsoon,” he explains.
The environmental experts have warned that St Inez creek is a ‘health hazard’ bomb, which the authorities have been ignoring for past several decades. Haphazard development along the bank of the creek and increasing shanties, involved in direct release of raw sewage into creek water and the stagnation of water deprived of oxygen has turned this creek a toxic chamber.
They too have raised serious concerns about the health hazards.
When contacted, the Civic body — the CCP — expressed its helplessness in resolving the issue. However, directions are issued to the GSIDC — undertaking the construction of minor bridge in Campal area — to remove the blockage thereby allowing free flow of water from the creek.
