Government proposes sewerage systems for top tourist spots

Goa [Wednesday, December 11, 2013

TEAM HERALD teamheralff@herald-goacom

PANJIM: There is a possibility that locations frequented by tourists, especially along the beach belt, would soon be rid of sewerage discharge problems as the State government is proposing sewerage systems and networking under the ministry of environment and forests schemes.

Coastal areas in North and South Goa would be covered under this scheme, according to Minister for PWD Sudin Dhavalikar.

Dhavalikar told Herald that he has just returned from the national capital after meeting Union minister for Environment and Forests Jayanti Natrajan, who has directed the PWD ministry to forward its proposals to the Centre.

“In the first instance we plan to get four major cities networked under sewerage systems,” Dhavalikar said indicating that the government intends to construct sewer-age systems for Ponda, Porvorim, Cortalim and Navelim.

The second phase would include sewerage networking for coastal areas namely Candolim, Benaulim, Colva, Baina and Majorda. “The union ministry has directed us to send our proposals within the next one week,” the PWD ministry said.

“Priority will be given to Panda followed by Porvorim, Cortalim and Navelim.” The project cost for sewerage systems in the four towns is estimated to cost approximately Rs. 1000 crore. Like-wise plans are also on for dredging of River Sal.

According to the PWD ministry the mega projects are being co-ordinated jointly with the State Sewerage Corporation.

The project proposals will be chalked out and forwarded to the Union ministry for financial assistance. Laying of sewerage lines and sewerage treatment plants would be incorporated in the DPRs.