MARGAO
The High Court has directed Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) to submit a report about the status of the applications submitted by the residents of Azad Nagar colony for sewerage connections.
When the PIL filed by Petitioner Antonio Alvares came up for hearing before the High Court on Monday, the Counsel appearing for the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) submitted the compliance report along with the list of the names of 48 persons, whose applications are forwarded to PWD for sewage connection of Azad Nagar area. The Counsel submits that only four household applications are remaining to be forwarded.
The petitioner submitted that there is another issue with regard to the drainage which he raised during the core committee meeting.
In his affidavit, Petitioner Antonio Alvares, who appeared in person, put forth in writing various issues that need to be urgently addressed and further requested a Joint Inspection of certain places in Margao.
In his affidavit, Alvares said it is difficult to find out the direction of the flow of contaminated water in the drainage network.
“One thing is sure, that this dirty water either empties in the fields or the River Sal. The Margao Municipal Council has conceded that they have only old Portuguese-era Drainage Plans. After that, no plans have been made. It is also informed that the MMC and GSUDA are supposed to draw a plan for Margao, wherein it would be requested to also incorporate the Drainage Network Plan. This needs to be expedited early,” he stated in his affidavit.
He further stated that it has been found by the locals that the SIDCGL operating the Sewage Treatment Plant is releasing untreated sewage in the River Sal through the adjacent Sluice Gate canal.
