Goa: High Court directs immediate inspection of sewage discharge in Salpem lake

MARGAO: In response to concerns raised by petitioner Antonio Alvares about ineffective measures to prevent sewage water from entering drains and polluting Salpem Lake, the High Court on Tuesday issued directions for immediate inspection.

Officials like Goa State Pollution Control Board, Margao Municipal Council and Sewerage Corporation will be involved in the inspection on Wednesday morning.

Petitioner Antonio Alvares expressed dissatisfaction with the current measures during a court hearing. I highlight that since the case was registered, no significant change has been observed in preventing or identifying the points of sewage discharge into the drains, resulting in pollution in Salpem Lake and Sal River.

Alvares specifically mentioned concerns about the malfunctioning sewage treatment plant in Shirvodem, noting that raw sewage was being released directly into a drain leading to the Sal River. He stressed that although the authorities had submitted a drainage plan, they were yet to identify and resolve it. Typical points of sewage discharge. The counsel representing Margao Municipal Council informed the court that they are currently in the process of reviewing the drainage plan.