Nagve-Mauxi faces health risk as wastewater flows into drains

Mauxi Panchayat Secretary Sarvesh Gaonkar, Health Officer Dr Vikas Naik, Sanitary Inspector Gajanan Parsekar, and others inspect a house at Nagve-Mauxi.

VALPOI
Unhygienic conditions have emerged at Nagve in Mauxi-Sattari after wastewater from several houses was found to be directly discharged into roadside drains, prompting the panchayat to issue a 15-day deadline to households.
Following complaints from residents, a delegation from the panchayat, along with health department officials, visited the site and inspected the situation.
During their inspection, Panchayat Secretary Sarvesh Gaonkar, Health Officer Dr Vikas Naik, Sanitary Inspector Gajanan Parsekar and other officials found out that many houses have not yet installed proper wastewater disposal systems (soak pits).
As a result, wastewater is being released directly onto roads or into drains, causing inconvenience to residents. This has resulted in the accumulation of filth and the spread of foul odour in the locality.
The situation has also led to an increase in mosquito breeding, posing a serious threat to public health. Residents have expressed concern over the possible outbreak of infectious diseases.
The panchayat has issued a 15-day deadline to households that have not yet arranged proper soak pit systems for wastewater disposal. Failure to comply within the stipulated time will result in the disconnection of electricity and water supply to the concerned houses. Notices have already been served to the respective house owners.
According to available information, some property owners do not reside in Valpoi and have neglected the issue. Notices have also been issued to them.
Commenting on the matter, Panchayat Secretary Sarvesh Gaonkar and health department officials stated that the matter is serious.
“With the onset of the monsoon approaching, there is a risk of wastewater from drains flowing into streams and rivers, leading to water pollution and damage to aquatic life. In view of this, the panchayat has taken a strict stand and announced that similar action will be taken in other parts of the panchayat jurisdiction as well,” said Gaonkar.
Welcoming the panchayat’s action, locals stated that the issue had been neglected despite repeated complaints in the past, but hoped that the panchayat's notices and warning of strict action were a positive and necessary step.