HC calls for long-term solution to Margao’s sewage seepage problem

Panaji: The high court of Bombay at Goa on Tuesday directed the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) to find a long-term solution to the town’s sewage problem. While hearing a PIL regarding the seepage of sewage into Salpem lake, it directed the MMC, PWD, and sewerage corporation to meet in the first week of May to decide on steps to resolve the issue by preparing a comprehensive plan.
The PWD stated that it would submit a feasibility report regarding the use of an automated vacuum technology system to pump out sewage from low-lying areas in Margao, such as Gandhi Market and Malbhat. The high court also directed the core committee to prepare a map of areas that have been connected to the sewerage line and those that have not.
During the hearing, the MMC told the high court that 46 establishments without sewerage connections were initially sealed by the Goa State Pollution Control Board. Of these, 11 obtained connections to the main sewerage line, seven were closed so there was no discharge of sewage into storm water drains, 16 had not applied for sewerage connections, and two had applied for sewage connections to the PWD.
Last Nov, the high court had directed the MMC to seal 46 establishments within four weeks or get sewage connections installed and claim expenses from the defaulters. It had also directed action against 64 commercial establishments operating without trade licences and had instructed the MMC to check sewage discharge throughout its jurisdiction, and take action regarding flow into nullahs.
It had also directed the PWD and Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation to complete the connection of the PWD sewage connection to the South Goa Planning and Development Authority retail market complex for the collection of all sewage waste generated there.