SIDCGL says the sewage infrastructure is ready, but lack of power connection continues to stall commissioning
Wastewater flowing through the SGPDA market nullah before it merges with the Old Market nullah near the traffic signal junction.
MARGAO
This is the saga of an underground sewage network, laid at taxpayers’ money months ago to channelise wastewater generated in a mega market, but lying idle for want of an electric connection?
Months after an underground sewage network was put in place to divert wastewater generated at the SGPDA mega retail market, the facility continues to remain defunct for want of a three-phase electricity connection, raising serious questions over coordination between government agencies and environmental compliance.
As wastewater from the bustling market continues to flow unchecked into adjoining storm water nullahs, the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) and the Sewage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) have come under public scrutiny.
The underground sewage network, constructed by SIDCGL to divert sewage from the market into the main sewerage system, is complete in all respects except for the power supply needed to operate the pumping station.
SIDCGL officials had informed the High Court at the last date of hearing that the entire sewage infrastructure has been installed and is ready for commissioning, but the absence of a three-phase electricity connection from the SGPDA has stalled operations. As a result, untreated wastewater from the market continues to enter nearby storm water drains, which finally meet the River Sal.
The issue has gained significance as it is being monitored by the High Court in connection with the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Navelim resident Antonio Alvares over the contamination of Salpem Lake.
During the hearing held on March 18, counsel appearing for the SGPDA submitted before the High Court that an electricity connection with adequate power capacity already exists within the market complex and would be extended to the SIDCGL pumping station within a week.
The SGPDA further assured the Court that power would be supplied from its existing meter to facilitate the functioning of the pumping station and enable the underground network to become operational.
Taking note of the assurance, the High Court directed that the pumping station within the SGPDA market complex be made fully functional within a week and that the sewage network connecting the market to the main sewerage line be commissioned within the same period.
However, weeks after the Court proceedings, SIDCGL officials claim that the promised electricity connection has yet to materialise.
The delay has triggered concerns over administrative apathy and the continued discharge of untreated wastewater into storm water channels despite judicial intervention and the availability of completed infrastructure.
Environmental activists and local residents have questioned why a crucial public utility project, completed at considerable public expense, has been allowed to remain idle for months now.
The continuing delay has also renewed concerns about the effectiveness of coordination between government departments, particularly in matters linked to environmental protection and public health.
With the High Court closely monitoring the matter, pressure is now mounting on the authorities to operationalise the sewage network at the earliest and prevent further pollution of the water bodies.
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A project completed on paper and ground, yet serving no purpose
MARGAO: Long before Navelim resident Antonio Alvares moved the High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking action against the discharge of sewage and wastewater into Margao’s storm water nullahs, untreated wastewater generated at the bustling SGPDA mega retail market had already been flowing into adjoining drains before eventually merging with the Old Market nullah near the traffic signal junction.
In the absence of an underground sewage network, thousands of litres of mixed wastewater from the SGPDA market continue to flow into the nullah round the clock, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.
However, the High Court’s directions issued on August 13, 2025, had offered a ray of hope for a turnaround in the disposal and treatment of wastewater from the PDA market. The court had granted 16 weeks to the authorities, including the Sewage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL), to lay and connect the underground sewage line to the main trunk network, with the aim of preventing untreated discharge into the storm water drains.
While the Sewage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) has claimed to have laid the network and the pumping station within the 16-week deadline, the facility has not been put to use in the last five months for want of a three-phase electricity connection.
SIDCGL has claimed that the agency has completed the balance civil and mechanical work of "Providing, laying, testing and commissioning of sewerage network by trenchless method including construction of manholes, pumping station, rising main and reinstatement etc in the SGPDA Market."
