Stagnant water in drains at various places in Curchorem and Sanvordem, including near the KTC bus stand and the fish market in Curchorem, and near the government primary school at Fonkulem-Sanvordem have raised concerns of spread of malaria.
But, other than finger pointing by local authorities, no action has been taken on clearing the drain.
Speaking to Herald, residents from Curchorem and Sanvordem claim to have complained to the authorities several times, but regretted that no action had been taken.
“We are fed up about repeatedly complaining to the authorities. For the last five years, we have sent letters to various officials, but no action has been forthcoming. Last year about 100 malaria cases were detected in our ward and in neighboring wards. Doctors came and took blood samples, but nothing happened after that,” Prabal Vasta from Vasta wada, Curchorem.
Maruti Naik, husband of ward councilor Anita Naik, said he had also made several representations to the health officer, municipal council, Water Resource department (WRD), asking them to take necessary action.
Maruti said, “The water is being generated from hotels, restaurants, traders and some residents who reside in the market area. We have requested them not to release their water in public drains but to have their own soak pits. But they claim there is no place to have soak pits near their establishments, forcing them to release water into the drains.”
Quepem Health Officer Dr Rajendra Borkar, who has been holding additional charge of Curchorem PHC, said cleanliness was the responsibility of the local bodies.
“It is the duty of municipalities and panchayats to maintain gutters and ensure cleanliness of the market and residential areas. Our role comes into the picture only if there is a public complaint, an outbreak of vector borne diseases or when local elected bodies ask us to inspect any site or request our services for a joint inspection,” Dr Borkar said.
“As part of our ongoing efforts, we have been creating awareness, offering health education, treating diseases and demonstrating precautionary measures.”
Commenting on the causes of water stagnation in public drains, Dr Borkar said, “The release of domestic water in public drains is one of the main reasons for this (water stagnation). Drains are made for rainwater and not to release personal water.”
He has advised the public to have their own Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) for their big buildings and mega projects.
He also claimed there has been no outbreak of any vector borne disease in the area. “During the last 12 months, 48 malaria and only 2 dengue cases were treated at the Cacora PHC. These cases were largely due to migrant labourers, as no local was infected by any vector-borne diseases,” Dr Borkar said.
There are also complaints that the stagnant water had increased sharply since the new fire station was set up in the vicinity. “The new Nallah constructed along the GSUDA market complex side has ended near the road at the fire station. Hence, water stagnates in low lying areas as there is no way for water to flow further. I had requested the Water Resources department to use an excavator to clean and open the way for water to flow further, but there has been no response from any authorities so far,” Maruti said.
