Team Herald
CURCHOREM: Water Spraying System (WSS) which was constructed by the South Western Railway (SWR) authorities at the Curchorem railway yard has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes which may lead to spread diseases like malaria and dengue in the area.
During the boom of mining activities, the railways authorities constructed the two WSS at both the ends of the yard along with the provision of wells to sprinkle water while unloading the iron ore from the goods wagons in the yard to prevent dust pollution.
Since the mining activities have stopped, the ore is not brought to Curchorem by railways and therefore both the WSS are not in operation and the water in the wells became stagnant.
Residents complain that the authorities are least bothered about the health and hygiene of the people. “They have not initiated any cleanliness drive in the yard even once after the mining activities stopped. This is so, despite water stagnation in the wells and growth of wild trees including creepers surrounding both the pump houses,” said a local.
“These wells are not cleaned since closing of the pump houses and one cannot stand outside in the evening due to fear of mosquitoe bite and inviting vector borne diseases,” said an elderly woman.
When the condition of the area was brought to the notice of the Curchorem railway office of PWD by the locals, they were told to contact the Area Officer of Goa Section of SWR-Vasco. “I will instruct my civil engineers to inspect the site and necessary action will be taken accordingly,” assured Area Officer Roshan Kumar.
Curchorem Station Master Fernandes also assured to convey the message to the authorities concerned.
