Margao stakeholders face legal heat over unabated sewage discharge into River Sal

Despite the deadline, unchecked sewage flow raises concerns over project delays; Amicus Curiae urges HC to direct authorities to complete the works within stipulated timelines

THE GOAN NETWORK | JULY 14, 2025, 12:56 AM IST

Margao stakeholders face legal heat over unabated sewage discharge into River Sal

File photo of the Kudchadkar Hospital stormwater nullah. Have the authorities stopped the flow of sewage into the nullah to date?

MARGAO
Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar had in December last year set December 2025 as the deadline to fix all issues relating to the rampant discharge of Margao sewage into to the River Sal aimed at setting in motion the plan to rejuvenate the river, considered the life line of Salcete.

With less than six months remaining before the deadline, stakeholders, including the Margao Municipal Council, PWD (Sewerage) and the Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) may soon be called upon to explain the status of Margao’s ambitious sewerage project with sewage flowing into the River Sal unabated.

A glance at the brief note submitted by the Amicus Curiae before the High Court in the Public Interest Litigation filed by Navelim citizen Antonio Alvares on July 9, however, clearly shows that all isn’t well with the Margao sewerage system.

In fact, the note submitted by the Amicus Curiae has prayed before the High Court seeking a host of directions to various authorities, including the Margao Municipal Council, the Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), the PWD, Sewerage to complete the sewage works falling in their respective jurisdiction within stipulated deadlines.

With the High Court adjourning hearing of the PIL to August 6, authorities are keeping their fingers crossed what the court may finally decide. For, if the Court accepts the Amicus Curiae’s plea and issues directions, the agencies will be under legal obligation to complete the work within the set timeframe.

Call for urgent implementation of vacuum tech in low-lying areas

MARGAO: With the agencies proposing “vacuum technology” as a solution to deal with sewage discharge in the low-lying areas of Margao, including Malbhat and Gandhi market, which has no sewerage line, the Amicus Curiae has sought specific directions to the PWD Division XXI, SIDCGL and the MMC to conceptualise, tender, engage the services and implement the vacuum sewer system for collection of sewage discharge in the low-lying areas of Margao, such as Malbhat, Gandhi Market etc, (including the areas as highlighted in the report titled “vaccum sewer system for the low-lying areas of Margao” and any other low-lying area within the jurisdiction of Margao) as expeditiously as possible and in any case within twenty-four weeks from the date of the order.

The Amicus Curiae has further sought directions to the MMC to conduct proper, effective and regular inspections, once in every two months, to identify, immediately repair and restore any leakages, breakdowns, bursts or any other wear and tear of the sewer lines passing through its jurisdiction.

Amicus Curiae wants mandatory sewage check for occupancy

MARGAO: Another far-reaching direction sought by the Amicus Curiae for the Margao Municipal Council is in respect of issuance of occupancy certificates to buildings.

In fact, the note put up by the Amicus Curiae has suggested that directions be issued to the MMC not to issue any occupancy certificate to any building/ structure without physical verification of a proper sewage disposal facility either by way of connection to the sewer lines or a soak pit.

The Amicus Curiae has also sought direction to the GSPCB not to issue any consent to establish and consent to operate without prior verification of proper sewerage disposal either through connection to the sewer line or a soak pit.

In this respect, the Amicus Curiae has suggested to the Court to direct the MMC to publish a public notice/ put up a notice at its designated building/ office at a conspicuous place, indicating therein, the prior requirement of having a proper sewage disposal facility or an effective soak pit for proper disposal of the sewage discharge, for obtaining an occupancy certificate. The said notice shall also put the public to caution that in case of any infraction they shall be subjected to hefty fines as well as revoking of permissions amongst other coercive action.

Plea seeks directions for MMC

* The MMC may be directed to complete adjudication of all the pending show cause notices (commercial or residential) as expeditiously as possible, after conducting a physical verification as regards compliance of a proper working sewage line or soak pit. The said process of adjudication may be completed within a period of ten weeks from the date of the order

* The MMC may be directed to inspect, identify and take appropriate action as regards to the flow in the nullah near Kudchadkar Hospital, as indicated by the Margao Municipal Council in its Affidavit in Reply dated 23/10/2024, (page 972), as expeditiously as possible and in any case within ten weeks from the date of the order

* The MMC may be directed to inspect and check sewage discharge throughout its jurisdiction, and consequently take appropriate steps/ measures/ action in light of the plan submitted by the Respondent No. 4 before this Hon’ble Court titled as the “Margao Sewer network,” and in consonance with the Respondent No. 4, may complete the digging, laying and execution of sewer lines throughout its jurisdiction, as expeditiously as possible and in any case within twenty four weeks from the date of the order