VASCO
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday warned residents of Vaddem and New Vaddem to immediately stop dumping sewage into the open nullah that flows into Vaddem lake, where Ganesh idols are immersed during the Visarjan ceremony.
He cautioned that violators could face disconnection of water and power supply.
Godinho appealed to residents to make use of the sewage tanker service that transports waste to the newly built WOOW Plant.
“People in some buildings are releasing sewage into the lake. We have constructed a new WOOW Plant where sewage water is treated for gardening purposes.
"Tankers are available to empty septic tanks, charging Rs 7,000 to 8,000 for commercial use, and a nominal Rs 2,000 for households. I am even willing to offer this service free of cost, but societies still refuse to use it,” he said.
He expressed concern that untreated waste was polluting the lake ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
“Societies choose to empty their septic tanks into the nullah, which flows directly into Vaddem lake. This must stop, especially when Ganesh idols will soon be immersed here. How can people allow toilet water into the lake or any water body?” he said.
Godinho added that the Goa State Pollution Control Board would serve notices to offenders, and strict action, including disconnection of utilities, would follow if violations continued.
“We are even offering concessional rates for tanker services. The societies must take my warning seriously. I will also get the Vaddem lake cleaned, and the work will begin from Monday,” he said.
