MAPUSA
The low-lying areas of Panaji, including parts of Mala and the St Inez Creek region, have received a modern vacuum sewer network system, making Goa the first State in India to adopt this advanced technology for managing sewage in flood-prone areas.
The state-of-the-art project, implemented under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), is designed to provide efficient sewage management for more than 200 households.
The vacuum technology, which operates at shallow depths and requires minimal excavation, is seen as a breakthrough solution for areas where traditional gravity-based sewer systems have failed due to high water tables and narrow lanes.
The Vacuum Sewer System for low lying areas in Panaji was officially commissioned by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday, in the presence of SIDCGL MD Rajendra Kumar Khanna, councillors and other officials.
Sawant, who holds the PWD portfolio, said the vacuum sewer network set up at Panaji is the first of its kind in the country which will be significant in reducing water pollution caused by untreated sewage.
Hailing the Rs 8.52 crore project as a game-changer for Panaji’s waste management, Sawant said houses in low lying areas in Mala and St Inez, Panaji left without proper sewerage system will be benefited with the project.
“The fully automated vacuum sewer network system will significantly improve sanitation and the quality of life for residents in low-lying areas, while also preserving our natural environment,” he said.
Sawant emphasised that the project’s budget includes five years of maintenance for the newly implemented technology.
He noted that the system is designed to handle challenging conditions, such as monsoon rains and high tides, which frequently cause problems in low-lying areas.
“The vacuum system ensures sewage is safely transported to treatment plants without the risk of groundwater contamination,” the Chief Minister explained, adding that this technology will help protect the St Inez Creek, a vital water body that flows into the Mandovi River.
“By preventing the discharge of untreated sewage into the creek, we are taking a crucial step towards rejuvenating and preserving this natural resource,” he added.
The project is part of the broader Smart Cities Mission, which aims to modernise Panaji’s infrastructure.
It complements ongoing efforts to improve public health, sanitation, road networks, and other essential services in the city.
Sawant assured residents that this initiative marks the beginning of the government’s long-term strategy to improve urban infrastructure in Panaji.
He promised continued focus on sustainable solutions that enhance public health and hygiene.
The vacuum sewer network system represents a significant leap forward in addressing Panaji’s sewage concerns, particularly in areas where traditional solutions have been ineffective due to geographic challenges.
