MARGAO
Rampant discharge of sewage from damaged chambers raised a stink around the Davondem area of Fatorda and adjoining Nuvem, even as locals demanded immediate release of water being stored in the local water body for paddy cultivation.
While the situation is not new for the local residents, what has further aggravated the situation was the stink emanating from that the water stored in the Tollem for irrigation of the crops. The residents claim the unbearable stink of the water is a result of the sewage discharge.
Following complaints from the local residents of Nuvem as well as from Davondem, Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa along with Nuvem Sarpanch Dr Breezy Barretto and former Margao Municipal Council councillor Johnny Crasto held an inspection of the water body on the Davondem-Nuvem border, only to find that the water stored in the water body is mixed with sewage, emitting foul sewage odour in the immediate neighbourhood.
During discussions with the Water Resource Department officials, it was decided to release the water stored in the water body to abate the nuisance.
WRD officials, however, said the decision can be implemented only after a nod from the Salcete mamlatdar as the locals have stored the water with the help of traditional wooden planks for irrigation of the crops.
The Nuvem MLA later told the media that he would immediately take up the matter with the Salcete mamlatdar as the situation will result in a health hazard for the local residents. “The stink is unbearable. Some years ago, I had visited the site after local residents had complained of stink and foul odour from the water body,” Wilfred said, adding that the government has now undertaken work on the laying of a new underground sewage line, which is expected to provide relief for the locals.
Johnny Crasto said the stinking environment is indeed a matter of concern for the local residents. “We have discussed the situation and it was suggested to release the water stored in the tollem to take care of the stink,” he added.
Inquiries have revealed that damaged chambers of the Margao’s underground sewage line finds its way into the water body, leaving it contaminated.
Local farmers, including dairy farmers, have stopped going into the water body, while residents staying close to it have complained of a stinking environment around their houses.
