MARGAO
Asserting the discharge of sewage and waste water into the Salpem lake is a pressing issue, the High Court has made it clear that the Court will brook no further delay.
The Court has said the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) should expedite the matters and give a detailed timeline for the sewerage works.
“According to us, this is a pressing issue which will brook no further delay,” the High Court observed in the Public Interest Litigation filed by Navelim villager Antonio Alvares in respect of the pollution of Salpem lake by the sewage waters from Margao.
The High Court further directed the MMC as well as the SIDCGL to file affidavits indicating the timeline for completion of works. “If any other authorities are involved in this process, we expect them to also take expeditious decisions in this matter. As indicated in the affidavit, the core committee which is constituted is due to meet. We suggest that such meetings must be held with increased frequencies so that the issue raised in this petition is sorted out once and forever. It is only with the cooperation of all the authorities and by all the authorities acting in tandem that this Salpem lake can be saved and restored to its earlier glory,” the High Court observed.
Referring to the concerns expressed by the Petitioner Antonio Alvares, the Court said the petitioner is at liberty to bring these concerns to the notice of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) and the SIDCGL in writing. “We are sure that all legitimate concerns will be addressed by the authorities and a detailed timeline will be given to us indicating the minimum time in which the works will be commenced and concluded,” the High Court said.
ILLEGAL HOUSEHOLDS GIVEN WATER CONNECTIONS: PETITIONER TO MMC
MARGAO: Petitioner in the High Court in the Salpem lake pollution, Antonio Alvares has written a letter to the Margao Municipality, drawing attention of the civic body to reports that water connections have been issued to many households which are illegally constructed or have done encroachments in the road setback areas.
He further pointed out the existence of many other rented places which do not have proper sanitation as a result of which all the waste from the latrines as well as kitchens are released in the drains.
Antonio has hence called upon the Core Committee constituted in respect of Salpem lake contamination to address all these concerns before he files his say in the High Court at the next date of hearing in January.
