MAPUSA
After more than a decade of setbacks, the much-awaited Mapusa sewerage project has finally commenced operations, with trial runs beginning in Gaunsavaddo and gradually expanding to other areas in town.
The Public Works Department (PWD) is now focused on making both sewage treatment plants in Mapusa and Calangute-Baga fully operational by June-end.
The project, aimed at enhancing sanitation and waste management, is expected to provide significant relief, particularly in the coastal areas of Calangute, which have long struggled with waste disposal issues.
Following the successful trial run in Gaunsavaddo, the PWD has shifted its attention to connecting the sewerage network to the Mapusa market area, a crucial step in the phased rollout.
Director of the Sewerage Project, Nitin Nevrekar expressed optimism about the progress, stating, "Although our target is to make the entire plant fully operational by June-end, we expect it to be completed much earlier."
Under the project, sewage from residential and commercial properties will be directed to a 5.2 MLD sewage treatment plant for processing.
So far, over 80-90 properties in Gaunsavaddo have already been linked to the network, marking the first step toward full-scale implementation.
As part of the expansion strategy, the PWD is also working on integrating the North District Hospital (Asilo) into the sewerage network.
Nevrekar emphasised that efforts are being made to increase the number of connected areas, ensuring that the plant operates at full capacity.
"We are also trying to connect the sewage line of North District Hospital (Asilo) soon and then add more areas so that the plant can run to maximum capacity," Nevrekar said.
Highlighting the importance of the project, Nevrekar urged more property owners to connect to the sewerage system, stressing its long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and the city as a whole.
"For optimal operation, the treatment plant requires adequate sewage input," he explained.
The PWD has also issued an appeal to all residential and commercial establishments to join the network, which will help improve waste management efficiency and enhance overall sanitation in Mapusa.
The Mapusa sewerage project was originally launched in 2013 with an estimated cost of Rs 152 crore. It was designed to lay 38 kms of sewer pipelines across the town, providing a comprehensive waste management solution.
However, the project faced repeated delays due to operational setbacks, technical issues, and failed trial runs, preventing its timely completion.
With the recent breakthrough, officials are hopeful that the project will now proceed without further hindrances.
If completed as planned, the initiative will mark a significant milestone in Mapusa’s sanitation infrastructure, paving the way for cleaner and more sustainable urban living.
