Storm water nullahs carrying untreated sewage water in the low lying areas of the commercial capital for want of an underground line.
MARGAO
Intervention by the High Court earlier this year appears to have finally set the stage for the implementation of the long-pending vacuum sewerage system in Margao — a technology aimed at preventing the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers and other water bodies through storm water drains and nullahs.
The breakthrough came after the Court urged the Goa government’s Finance Department to expedite the process of granting financial approval for the project, which had remained stalled despite the completion of preliminary procedures.
However, sources indicate that the launch of the project is only an initial step, and significant work remains before the persistent sewage problems affecting the city’s low-lying areas are fully resolved.
Notably, the High Court had, nearly a year ago, directed the Sewage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) to complete the installation of the vacuum sewerage system in low-lying parts of Margao — including Malbhat and Gandhi Market — within 24 weeks from the date of its order.
That deadline expired on January 29, 2026. Instead of submitting a progress report on the ground work, SIDCGL sought a six-month extension to complete the project. This prompted the Court to step in and press the government to grant the necessary financial approvals, which ultimately paved the way for the project’s rollout.
