the goan I network
MARGAO
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday launched sewerage works to the tune of Rs 93 crore for the replacement of the dilapidated Margao's north main sewerage line, as he exuded confidence that Goa will be environment-friendly, defecation, garbage and plastic free by 2019.
The first phase of the work will be taken up along the five km stretch, from the South district hospital under construction to the sewerage treatment plant at Sirvodem. The government will spend an additional Rs 25 crore to replace and lay a new sewerage line from Arlem junction to the Presentation Convent in the second phase. The Chief Minister said that the replacement of the north main sewerage line will cost the exchequer Rs 150 crore.
The Chief Minister also unveiled government's plan to take up sewerage project along the coastal belt, including Colva and Candolim, and complete the ongoing works at major towns and urban centres across the State.
After launching the work in the presence of local MLA and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, the Chief Minister has appealed to the people of Goa to extend their cooperation to make Goa environment friendly, defecation free, garbage free and plastic free within two years in 2019. "I am personally monitoring all the environment related projects and the garbage projects and I am confident that Goa can indeed become environmental friendly by 2019," he said.
In his address, the TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai said that his continuous fight with successive governments to replace the dilapidated north main line has borne fruit with the coalition government launching the sewerage works today. "For five years, I shouted in the Assembly and outside to replace the ageing line since it has turned out a health hazard for the residents staying along the route. I am happy that the coalition government has taken up the work even before the completion of a year in office," he said, while exuding confidence that the Chief Minister will sanction funds for the left out portion.
In his address, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said the pre-stressed concerned underground line was laid in the mid-80's as per the vision of then Margao MLA Babu Naik. He promised that the government would sanction the left out portion of the north main sewerage line in the near future.
Margao MLA Digmabar Kamat said the replacement of the existing line with a new line will take care of the health hazard posed to the residents of Fatorda and Margao by the sewage overflowing from the damaged chambers and the dilapidated line.
