MARGAO
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas on Saturday disclosed plans to call on the Chief Secretary to discuss the raw sewage discharge in the river Sal, before he knocks on the doors of the High Court to save the river Sal from destruction.
The MLA along with Water Resources Department (WRD) officials descended on the banks of river Sal on Saturday near the river Sal estate, Benaulim near the Khareband bridge, only to find sewage water flowing into the river.
The WRD officials informed that the department had identified around half-a-dozen places along the river Sal stretch from Ambaji to Sirvodem, discharging raw sewage in the river Sal. “The department had even issued show cause notices to the PWD, but in vain,” the official said.
The Benaulim MLA said he has sought an appointment with the Chief Secretary to discuss the issue of raw sewage discharge in the river Sal. “I have already lodged complaints with the police and the Vigilance against the PWD Minister, Nilesh Cabral and officials of the SIDCGL and pollution control board. I will brief the Chief Secretary on why an FIR should not be registered against these people for the violations,” he said.
Venzy added: “The National Green Tribunal in its order has made the Chief Secretary accountable for the rejuvenation of the river Sal by stopping the raw sewage discharge. Let us wait and see what the Chief Secretary has to say on the issue. If not, I will be compelled to move the High Court to save the river Sal, which is the lifeline of Salcete.”
