Panchayat told to seize tankers, act against violators Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte discussing the issue of sewage discharge with government officials at Socorro. Photo by Anil Shankhwalker
Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte on Thursday directed officials and the Socorro panchayat to take action to stop sewage from illegally being discharged by tankers on Communidade property in Carrem-Socorro.
He was speaking to media persons during a site inspection carried out by the Socorro panchayat on Survey 220/1, in response to the complaint filed by residents of Carrem.
Aggrieved residents of Carrem feared that the discharge of sewage would not only create health hazards but also cause irreversible environmental degradation of the plateau and surrounding areas.
During the inspection, Khaunte and the officials noticed the sewage discharge and building material dumped in the area.
“I have been receiving complaints of sewage being dumped at Carrem-Socorro for quite a long time. This sewage has begun flowing to the village roads, creating health hazards for residents. I personally visited the site to take stock of the situation,” said Khaunte.
“The situation is quite alarming, and if this illegal activity is allowed to continue, it may not only create a health hazard but also pollute the soil and water in the wells at Carrem.”
“I have directed the Socorro panchayat not to allow sewage tankers in Survey 220/1 and to seize the vehicles if seen in the area.”
“I have instructed officials of the Goa State Control Pollution Board (GSPCB) to take and analyse samples of the sewage and to submit it to the health department. I also directed police officials to seize all relevant documents of a tenant in the property.”
The minister also directed the deputy collector and mamlatdar to conduct an inquiry and to take appropriate legal action against the culprits.
“There was a big land scam in this area a few years back, and I instructed officials of Serula Communidade to take back possession of this huge land,” said Khaunte.
Those present at the site inspection included Dy Collector Vasant Dabholker, Mamlatdar Anant Malik. Porvorim PHC Health Officer Dr Sikhandar Talwar, DySP Vishwesh Karpe, Porvorim Police Inspector Rahul Parab, Socorro Sarpanch Soniya Pedenkar and officials of GSPCB.
