PONDA
At a time when residents of Bandora have stiffly opposed the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), the Kavale panchayat has gone ahead with the construction of an STP project in the village.
Defending the decision to set up the project despite initial opposition from locals, Kavale Sarpanch Rajesh Kavalekar told The Goan the project was necessary in the best interests of the village and its people.
“The number of buildings are increasing in the village. The panchayat presently collects wet waste from the flats and sends it to the Waste Management Plant in Saligao. Over 300 kgs of waste is collected on a daily basis.”
“We have engaged four workers to collect garbage and this garbage is sent to the Waste Management Plant in Saligao on alternate days at a cost of Rs 1,300 per trip,” said Kavalekar. Kavalekar insisted that the STP is the need of the hour in the village.
“Some people had initially opposed the project, but considering its benefits we have given a license to this project. Everyone has toilets in their houses and someday, the septic tank will get full and overflow, causing difficulties to them and others in the area. So, why not connect them to the STP,” asked Kavalekar.
“There are 38 wells in our panchayat area. There are also springs. Some of these water bodies are polluted by the septic tanks. Once the STP is set up, these water bodies can be cleaned up and reused for potable purposes.”
“This Panchayat has nine wards with over 2,500 flats and houses. The proposed STP is a 15 MLD project, which will cover entire Kavale village and some parts of Tisk and Daag.”
“People should understand that garbage is mostly generated from flats as they don’t get space to discard the garbage. In homes with backyards, it is easier to throw food waste in the garden, which is food for domestic animals,” the sarpanch said.
Commenting on the status of STP pipeline network in Kavale, Kavalekar said: “The work is going on. This work will be completed in eight-nine months. Moreover, land-filling has been done to construct the plant.”
To a query on possible consequences on account of adverse reactions from locals regarding the STP, Kavalekar replied: “I respect to those who have elected me. I want to work for our village and will take steps in the interest of everyone.”
