File photo of waste water discharged in the storm water nullah in Margao.
MARGAO
The Margao Municipal Council has on Tuesday submitted to the High Court that the Council has issued notices for closure of 30 commercial establishments, which had failed to comply / obtain sewage connections.
In an affidavit filed before the High Court in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Salpem lake contamination case, MMC Chief Officer Melvyn Vaz further submitted that the Council has initiated action against the establishments, including sealing of the premises.
On the question of verifying the status of obtaining of the trade licence by commercial establishments, the Chief Officer said the inspection has revealed that out of the 64 commercial establishments, 24 establishments had been issued trade licences, including 10 licenced gaddas, besides two establishments were sopo payers.
The Chief Officer has further submitted that around
18 shops/business were found closed, and nine businesses were operating without trade licence, adding that the Council has initiated the exercise of issuing show cause notices to the premises operating without trade licence.
On the decision taken by the Core Committee, the Chief Officer pointed out that the Core committee that met on November 27, 2024 followed by a review meeting on December 27, was informed by PWD Assistant Engineer, Jose Mascarenhas, that an agency had conducted a survey of the low-lying areas of Gandhi Market, Malbhat and the surrounding vicinity within the municipal jurisdiction.
He submitted that the survey was done to evaluate the possibility of introducing Vacuum Technology for sewerage, a fully automated system suitable for areas with high water tables and congested, narrow, limited space.
“The MMC has requested Jose Mascarenhas PWD Engineer to provide detailed report on the survey and the potential implementation of the Vacuum Technology in the areas of Gandhi Market, Malbhat and Calcondem and the matter of securing the necessary space for the installation would be reviewed after obtaining the necessary approvals from the MMC”, the Chief Officer submitted in the high Court.
The High court has adjourned hearing of the PIL to February 18. The SGPDA has been told to file a reply in the matter at the next date of hearing.
