MARGAO
The two AAP MLAs, Benaulim's Venzy Viegas and his Velim counterpart Cruz Silva have called for the implementation of measures to plug the flow of raw sewage into river Sal on the lines of Rajokri water body Delhi.
The duo visited the Rajokri water body at Meruli-Delhi to inspect the measures, wherein sewage is trapped at one point and treated through a simple process.
They said the water body has been rejuvenated by the Delhi Jal Board, whose consultant had inspected the river Sal last week.
Giving the government a week to unveil the plan to save river Sal from the flow of raw sewage water from neighbouring Margao and Fatorda, the Venzy said the people of Benaulim will have no option but to undertake measures to save river Sal after the deadline.
“I, along with our Velim MLA, am ready to give our time and energy, besides resources to solve the river Sal issue with the right technology,” he said.
Saying that it may take months, if not years to connect the sewage flowing from Margao and Fatorda to the sewage treatment plants, Venzy said: “We cannot wait till the households and establishments are connected to the STPs. In the meantime, we have to adopt measures wherein the sewage flowing into the stormwater nullahs are plugged and the water channelized into tanks before they are treated and released into the river."
Referring to reports that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) Member Secretary Dr Shamila Monteiro has issued a warning to the Margao Chief Officer to act against establishments discharging sewage water into the drains, the Benaulim questioned why it took so much time for the Member Secretary to take the measures.
“She has been presiding over the affairs of the GSPCB for a long time now. The Chief Secretary should first initiate action against the Member Secretary for allowing the pollution of river Sal," Venzy said while demanding that Monteiro quit the post immediately.
