Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Mar 15: Subhash Shirodkar on Saturday witnessed raw sewage flowing into the River Sal during an inspection, raising alarm over pollution affecting what is considered the lifeline of Salcete.

The visit came amid rising concerns from local representatives and residents about the deteriorating condition of the river due to untreated sewage discharge.

Accompanied by Venzy Viegas and officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD), the minister inspected several locations where stormwater nullahs were reportedly carrying untreated sewage from Margao directly into the river. The inspection highlighted the absence of an effective system to treat sewage before it enters the river.

Alarmed by the situation, Shirodkar suggested a more focused approach to the proposed rejuvenation project. Instead of attempting restoration along the river’s entire 50-kilometre stretch, he proposed undertaking rejuvenation works in smaller segments of one to two kilometres at a time to ensure better execution and monitoring.

During the inspection, Viegas pointed out specific stormwater drains that discharge waste from Margao into the river and warned that the River Sal could “die a slow death” if immediate corrective measures are not taken. The MLA urged the government to expedite the rejuvenation project and restore the river’s ecological health within a fixed timeframe.

Following discussions with the MLA and officials, the minister directed WRD authorities to prepare a detailed action plan and submit a report by Friday. He also instructed officials to conduct joint inspections of pollution points, particularly the stormwater drains, along with representatives of the Sewage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd to assess the extent of pollution and recommend remedial measures.

Speaking to the media at Khareband Bridge after the inspection, Shirodkar reiterated the need for a phased rejuvenation plan. “Instead of planning restoration along the entire 50-km stretch of the river at once, it would be more practical to begin with smaller stretches of 1–2 kilometres for effective implementation,” he said.

Responding to questions about sewage flowing through stormwater drains into the river, the minister said concerned agencies would be directed to ensure that sewage discharged through the nullahs is treated before entering the river. “I have personally seen the condition of the River Sal. I will follow up on the issue and conduct inspections every month to monitor progress,” he added.

Addressing concerns over sewage treatment capacity, Shirodkar noted that the agency may currently lack the infrastructure to treat the estimated 100 million litres per day of sewage generated in the area. However, he said both the sewage corporation and the Public Works Department are working on implementing vacuum sewer technology in low-lying parts of Margao where laying conventional underground sewer lines is difficult.

“Officials have informed me that vacuum sewer technology is expected to be installed in Margao within the next two months,” he said.

One of South Goa’s major rivers, the River Sal originates near Verna and flows through several villages before emptying into the Arabian Sea near Betul. Environmentalists and residents have repeatedly raised concerns over increasing pollution in the river due to sewage discharge, urban runoff and encroachments.