Margao: Low-lying fallow fields along Margao’s Ring Road in the Comba area are rapidly turning into a toxic wasteland as raw, foul-smelling sewage has inundated the land and citizens have demanded immediate government intervention to resolve the issue and action against those responsible for the pollution.
Local residents alleged that sewage from buildings, many of which are not connected to the official sewerage network, is discharged directly into nearby nullahs before flowing into the low-lying fields, creating unhealthy conditions for residents and road users. They further alleged that the untreated sewage eventually enters the already polluted River Sal.
Residents also alleged that officials of the Sewerage Department release untreated sewage from chambers into the fields. According to locals, this is allegedly done to prevent sewage from backing up into houses located in the low-lying parts of Comba.
They alleged that the government’s ageing and dilapidated sewerage infrastructure at several locations is incapable of handling the present load, resulting in frequent bursting of sewer chambers.
“It is an absolute nightmare. The fields are filled with black, foul-smelling sewage, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and disease. Despite these evident health hazards, the authorities remain indifferent,” a Comba resident said.
The allegations were, however, dismissed by government officials, who said that a few old chamber covers may have broken, causing accidental overflows at certain locations.
Officials further said that during the monsoon, rainwater enters the chambers, causing the system to overflow, and denied that sewage is being deliberately released into the nullahs.
