The long-delayed sewerage network and treatment plant (STP) in Calangute cannot function unless there is a “reverse pipeline” to take the treated water from the STP to the garbage treatment plant in Saligao, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said.
The recent episode of beach shacks in Calangute releasing their sewage into illegal soak pits or into the sea has brought the Rs 100-crore JICA-funded sewerage project in the tourism hub back in focus.
Many hotels and resorts are also allegedly releasing sewage into nullahs, fields and other places. Lobo said that the STP at Baga was completed around six years ago, and most of the pipeline network is already in place.
“In absence of a reverse water pipeline, froth will come on the beach and affect the swimming area for people,” he said. “The plant is complete and connections are awaited. The treated water if released in river will cause pollution.”
“Our rivers are being polluted by hotels, guesthouses and restaurants which release raw sewage and toilet water into rivers. This is a very common thing and must stop. They should have their own soak pits,” he said.
Lobo said that when the project was sanctioned, there was anoting in the file that said the water would be taken to the Saligao GTP.
