NT Reporter | Colva
The failure of pumps at a sewage pumping station in Colva resulted in the discharge of untreated sewage into a nearby water body, which then flowed into agricultural fields, triggering strong reactions from locals and the Colva panchayat.
The incident came to light after residents posted videos on social media showing the release of sewage into the water body connected to the fields. In response, the panchayat, along with members of the village Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), conducted an inspection and demanded immediate rectification from the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa (SIDCG).
SIDCG officials said that the pumps had failed, allegedly due to voltage fluctuations. A representative said that the collected sewage was released into the water body and promised to pump out the contaminated water and clean the area.
Colva sarpanch Suzie Fernandes said the panchayat had received numerous complaints from residents about sewage overflow. “The water leading to the fields has turned completely black. We questioned the sewage department, but this is just the first phase. The second and third phases are yet to begin. If such issues exist at this stage, how can we move forward?” she said.
She said that the panchayat would consult the electricity department to address the voltage fluctuations that may have caused the pump failure. Fernandes also criticised the department’s lack of clear contingency measures, despite previous warnings.
Chairperson of the Colva BMC, Carmo Rodrigues, said, “This is a threat to our biodiversity. If one pump fails like this, what about the three more that are planned for Colva? Authorities must stop the substandard quality of work and take this issue seriously.”
The panchayat has urged SIDCG to ensure that such incidents are not repeated, especially with additional phases of the sewage project yet to be commissioned.
