Delays in sewage projects raise concerns over restoration of Sal

File photo of the Kudchadkar storm water nullah carrying Margao sewage into the Salpem lake, Navelim.

MARGAO

The recent inspection of the river Sal by Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar has raised hopes for the early restoration of the river, widely regarded as Salcete’s lifeline.

During the visit, the Minister proposed a host of measures, including the preparation of an action plan to plug and prevent the discharge of sewage and wastewater into the river and other water bodies.

However, the ground reality may not inspire much confidence. Agencies entrusted with establishing the sewage infrastructure have repeatedly failed to meet court-mandated timelines.

Consider this: In its judgment dated August 13, 2025, while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Navelim resident Antonio Alvares regarding the contamination of Salpem Lake, the High Court had laid down specific timelines for various agencies. These included the Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL), which was directed to implement measures to address the sewage issues plaguing the commercial capital.

Among the key directives issued to the SIDCGL was the introduction of vacuum sewer technology in the city’s low-lying areas, commissioning of the sewage line at the SGPDA retail market, and providing sewage connections to around 260 households across the city.

Seven months later, however, SIDCGL has approached the High Court seeking an extension of time to implement these measures. The Corporation has also sought condonation of delay after moving the court well past the deadlines — by 77 days, 20 days and 50 days respectively — in filing its application for an extension.

The development raises fresh concerns over the pace of efforts to address the long-standing sewage problem affecting the Sal river system. The matter is expected to come up before the High Court. Petitioner in the Salpem lake contamination case Antonio Alvares said he plans to move the High Court again with the agencies failing to implement the Court’s directions.

Delay due to lack of 3-phase

power connection

The commissioning of the sewerage network at the SGPDA retail market complex in Margao has been delayed due to the absence of a three-phase electricity connection required to operate the pumping station.

In an application filed before the High Court, the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) stated that it had made all possible efforts to comply with the directions issued by the Court within the stipulated timeline.

The Corporation informed the Court that while all civil works at the SGPDA retail market complex have been completed and pumps have already been installed, the facility cannot be made operational without the required three-phase electricity connection.

According to SIDCGL, the responsibility to provide the three-phase connection lies with the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA), Margao.

The Corporation further submitted that it had informed SGPDA about the requirement for the power connection on April 25, 2025. It again wrote to SGPDA on January 14, 2026, requesting that the connection be obtained so that the pumping station can be commissioned.

SIDCGL has now assured the Court that the pumping station will be made functional within one month once the three-phase electricity connection is provided by SGPDA.

Vacuum sewer system

may take six months

Meanwhile, SIDCGL has sought a six-month extension from the High Court for the installation of a vacuum sewer system in low-lying areas of Margao, including Malbhat and Gandhi Market.

In its application, the Corporation stated that it has already obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Margao Municipal Council for the installation of a vacuum sewerage station at Malbhat. It has also secured an NOC from Sant Nirankari Mandal for setting up a vacuum sewerage station near Sant Nirankari Satsang Bhavan.

The Corporation has also applied for NOCs from the Comunidade de Aquem for locations near Shri Krishna Mandir at Calcondem, opposite Costa Factory at Aquem, and near Laxmi Empire Hotel in Margao for the construction of a vacuum station with SCADA wireless monitoring.

SIDCGL informed the Court that it has floated tenders for the design, construction, erection, and commissioning of the vacuum station with SCADA wireless monitoring, and that three works are currently under the tendering process.

Delay in sewage connections

to 260 structures

The Corporation also informed the Court about delays in providing sewerage connections to 260 applicants. According to SIDCGL, sewerage connections have so far been released to 36 structures. The Corporation stated that it plans to provide connections to another 50 structures within the next three months.

Connections to the remaining 174 structures will be provided only after the vacuum treatment plant becomes operational, as these structures are located in low-lying areas.

SIDCGL also pointed out that road-cutting permissions are not granted during the monsoon period between June and October. As a result, the Corporation could not complete the work and provide connections within three months or before the deadline of December 12, 2025.