It must be said that the authorities are quick to issue notices to citizens if found releasing sewage and waste water into open areas and drains citing health hazard issues. It was shocking to note that a government contractor was found releasing waste water from sewage chambers directly into a nullah reportedly in the presence of PWD officials. It is learnt that alert residents of Madel, Fatorda caught the contractor red-handed carrying out the act. If it was carried out to clear a choked chamber, then night soil-tankers should have been used to collect the sewage to be discharged into the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Releasing sewage water into nullahs can lead to an epidemic in the locality. It is pertinent to note that in the year 2014, the government had initiated the “Swachh Bharat” mission under which a lot of drives such as proper sewage disposal and providing toilets for everyone have been started. The Goa State Pollution Control Board is on a drive to check the release of raw sewage into Saipem Lake and River Sal. Releasing sewage into the drains negates this drive.
