Sewage pipes pouring into Mandovi troubles greens

SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, GOA FEBRUARY 16, 2014

Panaji: Waste water and sewage pipes from nearby residences in Penha da Franca have been illegally passed through the newly-constructed retaining wall with their spouts in River Mandovi, raising a concern about the worsening pollution of Goa’s lifeline.

Water resources department (VNTRI-i) recently commenced construction of a concrete retaining wall along the northern bank of the river from Malim towards Penha da Franca as part of a flood control measure.

Mangroves have been felled to clear small patches of the area to construct the wall at a cost of Rs. 1.28 crore in Malim. The project is likely to be completed by May 2014.

“But surprisingly, the department has allowed provision for passing of waste water pipes through the retaining wall,” Agnelo Pereira of the Penha da Franca citizens forum (PFCF) said.

Part of the staggered project from Malim to Virlosa wards is complete and promptly spouts were seen in some

Rajtilak Naik

Waste water and sewage pipes from nearby residences have been il-legally passed through a retaining wall constructed by WRD in Malim

stretches to let off waste water into the river.

National institute of oceanography (N10) had found higher levels of bacteria for recreational bathing and even for fishing in Mandovi and Zuari rivers in a seven-year study till 2007. As per the European blue flag beach criteria, a coliform count in excess of 5 (colony formingunits) CFU/ml in natural water is considered unsafe for bathing.

The NIO scientists found the coliform count in River Mandovi to be as high as 1,900/ ml in some cases. Hundreds of dwellings along the length of the river discharge waste water in it.

“The pipes in Malim have been inserted clandestinely behind our backs,” a WRD official stated. But some villagers disputed this claim, stating that the work is being carried out in the nearby area.

Goa state pollution control board officials claimed not to be aware about the issue. “We will conduct an inspection in the area soon, as provided under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act,” GSPCB chairman Jose M Noronha said. PFCF had earlier complained to the board about the sewage discharge in the river by a small resort in the riverside village. The board had held an inspection and stopped the illegal activity.