Team Herald
CANACONA: The growing urbanisation in Canacona taluka is leading to rise in the menace of unchecked sewage discharge, which poses a huge threat to the farm lands and human health.
The southern-most taluka of Goa has been changing rapidly, especially after the introduction of Konkan Railway. It is slowly becoming more urban with each passing year. Based on the beautiful shores of Palolem beach, the taluka however is now facing the problem of managing its sewage.
New hotel projects are coming up in the taluka and recently even a 5-star hotel with 200+ rooms became operational here. Locals alleged that some of the hotels and residential projects are discharging their sewage waste into the fields.
“Since the sewage is being discharged out in the open, it has become a breeding hub for mosquitoes. The water which is used to clean up the Canacona fish market is later discharged into the nearby fields. Mud puddles have formed and stray cattle rest in them,” local trader, Anand Naik said.
Some of the locals have accused eateries in Canacona market of not maintaining required hygiene either and the waste generated by these units is also disposed in the open.
A Sanitary Inspector from the Canacona Community Health Centre used to visit the eateries regularly before for inspection. But the frequency has gone down in the recent weeks.
“Canacona municipality and the health officers need to look into the matter urgently and take action against those violating the laws. There are many shacks operating at Palolem and the sewage water is discharged in the open unhindered. This poses health hazard to the visitors frequenting the beach and also the tourism in general,” said former councillor Apuciano Diniz.
