Benaulim Panchayat members inspecting the water body contaminated by sewage discharge. Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO: Sewage discharge from a commercial establishment has contaminated water bodies at Benaulim near the Khareband bridge as the polluted waters now threaten the adjoining fields at the Tolleaband lake.
Benaulim Sarpanch Vencila Fernandes, deputy Sarpanch Nilesh Prabhudesai, Panch member, Felicia Norohna, Benaulim ZP member Hanzel Fernandes and residents came to the site in question and expressed concern over the sewage discharge into the water bodies.
The ward member pointed out that the sewage discharge into the water body has contaminated the water and threatened marine life. She said the representative of the commercial establishment was called in for inspection to ensure that the activity is stopped forthwith.
Benaulim ZP Member Hanzel Fernandes said he called up the panchayat over the issue after foul odour enveloped the entire area. He requested the panchayat body to initiate action and save the water bodies from contamination.
Deputy Sarpanch Nilesh Prabhudesai told the media that the panchayat would ensure that the sewage disposal by the commercial establishment is stopped immediately and that the owners compensate the farmer. “The farmer had gone for fish farming in the water body, which is now contaminated by the sewage water”, Nilesh said, while saying the establishment management should compensate the farmer and stop further discharge of the sewage waters.
The water had turned black and was emitting sewage odour. Local farmers feared that the water may enter the Tolleaaband lake and destroy the fields.
