Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has asked Goa University to clean sewage chambers in order to prevent future blockages and overflows.
The GSPCB has also asked the University to obtain its consent to operate the sewage treatment plant besides directing it to clear the overgrown trees, bushes and other vegetation surrounding the sewage chambers to improve visibility and accessibility for maintenance.
Following a complaint by the Sanjay Fatarpekar of Bharat Mukti Morcha regarding discharge of sewage water from the chamber of Goa University in surrounding areas, the GSPCB officials conducted a site inspection near University at Cacra, Tiswadi.
It found that sewage was overflowing from the chamber into nearby storm water drains. This flow eventually reached Cacra village potentially causing hygiene and health concerns for the residents. It found that the sewage was overflowing from one of the chambers was due to clogging caused by the roots of nearby trees. These roots infiltrated the sewage system leading to blockage and subsequent overflow.
The GSPCB has warned that the failure to comply with the aforesaid notice will compel the Board to initiate stringent legal action against the University under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, which may include issue of closure direction, without further notice.