Main pipeline in place, but sewage fouling Margao’s rainwater drains

Margao: Despite the completion of long-pending works on the North-Main Sewage Pipeline, the Sewage Corporation is grappling with the persistent problem of leakage from chambers and sewage overflow in Margao and various other areas.

Raw sewage is still seeping into open drains and drains, causing damage to agricultural fields and the Sal River, as well as posing a serious threat to the health of residents and commuters.
Sewerage Corporation officials have confirmed the replacement of the faulty North-Main sewage pipeline from Presentation High School to the sewage treatment plant at Sirwodem. However, a small portion of the work at Ambaji-Fatorda is incomplete.

During inspection and interaction with residents, it was observed that raw sewage was still flowing at several places, including near South Goa District Hospital.
Residents of Model and Navelim have reported sewage overflow from chambers due to blockages in Margao, Fatorda and Navelim.
It is worth noting that in the past, the faulty north-main sewage pipeline caused significant problems, leading to discharge of raw sewage into drains, open fields and the Sal River. Public pressure forced the government to replace the pipeline, causing hardships, dust pollution and traffic jams to road users for several months last year.

Model resident Milagres Fernandes expressed surprise at the sewage flowing in the drain near the district hospital. “We have seen many areas where raw sewage is flowing from the chambers,” he said. “What is shocking is that the corporation was also found releasing sewage from closed chambers directly into the gutters.”
According to Fernandes, although the problem has been mitigated to some extent by the replacement of the North-Main Sewage Pipeline, the problem of leakage is still unresolved.

Ronnie Dias, another citizen, stressed that the damage caused to the Sal River and agricultural areas due to past sewage flows cannot be easily compensated.
Dattaraj Pai, an official of the Sewerage Corporation, confirmed the completion and commissioning of the North-Main Pipeline from Presentation High School to the STP. He mentioned that the line has been connected to internal sewage pipelines at Model, Ambaji and other places. Pai assured that the pending work of laying sewage pipeline in Ambaji would be completed soon, which would solve the problem in that area.

However, Pai acknowledged the urgency of resolving the leak and chamber blockages, indicating that other divisions of the department are actively working on solutions.
Pollution Control Board, Margao civic body seeks more time to submit compliance report to HC
Margao: The Bombay High Court (HC) in Goa adjourned the case related to discharge of raw sewage into storm water drains of Margao to April 10 after the respondents sought more time.
It may be recalled that in February, the HC had directed Margao Municipal Council (MMC) and Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to submit compliance reports by April 3. Concerned over the health risks, the court stressed its seriousness. Issue. In the previous hearing, the MMC had assured the court that notices would be served to households and commercial establishments releasing sewage into drains and they would coordinate with the PWD on the matter.
Elsewhere, the Goa State Pollution Control Board assured to submit sample test reports indicating sewage pollution. The case relates to complaints filed by petitioner Professor Antonio Alvares regarding how raw sewage flows into Saipem Lake and Sal River in Navelim.
Alvares, who is also a prominent leader of the farming community, had lamented that the unabated discharge of sewage was resulting in damage to his farms.
Navelim Gram Panchayat, the health department and the Sewerage and Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Limited (SIDCGL) along with the chief secretary are the respondents in the case.
Farmers are hoping for a quick solution to this matter and implementation of plans so that their fields can be protected from such pollution and the environment can also be kept clean.