MARGAO
The Colva sewage project has drawn flak from residents after untreated sewage water overflowed into low-lying fields near the Colva Fisheries Complex due to a failure at the pumping station. The failure was reportedly caused by voltage fluctuations.
Black-coloured stagnant water now inundates the affected fields, prompting concerns over public health and environmental degradation. During a joint site inspection convened by Colva Sarpanch Suzie Fernandes on Wednesday, Sewerage Department officials admitted that the station is facing power supply issues that led to the malfunction.
Locals, along with the Colva Biodiversity Management Committee Chairman Carmo Rodrigues, expressed outrage at the situation. “If Phase I of the project is already posing a nuisance and health hazard, how can people trust future phases?” Rodrigues questioned. He criticised the department’s lack of contingency planning, saying the failure to provide a backup system for power disruptions is inexcusable.
Sarpanch Suzie Fernandes confirmed the presence of stagnant sewage water in fields adjoining the pumping station and demanded its immediate removal. She also raised concerns about allowing Phase II of the project to proceed under current conditions. “The department must ensure a backup power system to avoid such failures,” she said, adding that she would raise the voltage issue with Power Department officials.
Rodrigues further called for an inquiry to investigate whether any sub-standard work was carried out during the implementation of the project. “This is about the health and well-being of the villagers and the local biodiversity. We hope corrective measures are taken without delay,” he said.
