RTI reply on Curchorem STP triggers fresh controversy

NT Reporter

Curchorem

The controversy surrounding alleged violations at the sewage treatment plant (STP) site in Curchorem has escalated with RTI applicant Sushant Vast alleging that he received “incomplete and inconsistent” response from the flying squad of the Town and Country Planning Department, Margao to his queries.

Vast had sought information on the inspection of survey numbers 505 and 505/1 in Cacora, where large-scale landfilling and construction activity for a sewage pumping station are underway. Although the flying squad furnished a site inspection checklist, certified copies of inspection notes, and a 2011 TCP circular relating to the applicability of Section 17A of the TCP Act, several crucial documents requested under the RTI Act were withheld. These include the complete inspection report, communication between the TCP and the municipal council, stop-work notices, photographs and videos taken during inspection, and correspondence with other authorities. The checklist dated October 15 confirms landfilling activities and ongoing construction of a sewage pumping station by the Sewage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Ltd. It records that permissions and land ownership documents were displayed at the site, and concludes that Section 17A of the TCP Act does not apply, citing the 2011 circular that exempts certain public utility works from
its purview.

Residents, however, challenge this interpretation. They argue that the scale of landfilling and excavation has “significantly altered the natural landscape” and could indeed fall under Section 17A, which regulates land development and mandates scrutiny for substantial site alterations.

Out of 11 specific details sought, only the checklist, a single photograph of a tank under construction, and the circular exempting public utility projects were provided. Social activist and resident Aditya Desai said the omissions indicate that “authorities are hiding critical information”.

Residents maintain they are not opposed to development, but allege illegal filling and destruction of agricultural fields.

Vast said the absence of key documents “raises serious doubts about the integrity of the inspection,” adding that he intends to pursue the matter legally and through further RTI applications.