Sewage pipes pouring into Mandovi troubles greens
PANAJI: Waste water and sewage pipes from nearby residences in Penha da Franca have been illegally passed through the newly-constructed retaining wall with their spouts in River Mandovi, raising a concern about the worsening pollution of Goa's lifeline.
Water resources department (WRD) recently commenced construction of a concrete retaining wall along the northern bank of the river from Malim towards Penha da Franca as part of a flood control measure.
Mangroves have been felled to clear small patches of the area to construct the wall at a cost of 1.28 crore in Malim. The project is likely to be completed by May 2014.
"But surprisingly, the department has allowed provision for passing of waste water pipes through the retaining wall," Agnelo Pereira of the Penha da Franca citizens forum (PFCF) said.
Part of the staggered project from Malim to Virlosa wards is complete and promptly spouts were seen in some stretches to let off waste water into the river.
National institute of oceanography (NIO) had found higher levels of bacteria for recreational bathing and even for fishing in Mandovi and Zuari rivers in a seven-year study till 2007. As per the European blue flag beach criteria, a coliform count in excess of 5 (colony forming units) CFU/ml in natural water is considered unsafe for bathing.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/sewage-pipes-pouring-into-mandovi-troubles-greens/articleshow/30485580.cms
Water resources department (WRD) recently commenced construction of a concrete retaining wall along the northern bank of the river from Malim towards Penha da Franca as part of a flood control measure.
Mangroves have been felled to clear small patches of the area to construct the wall at a cost of 1.28 crore in Malim. The project is likely to be completed by May 2014.
"But surprisingly, the department has allowed provision for passing of waste water pipes through the retaining wall," Agnelo Pereira of the Penha da Franca citizens forum (PFCF) said.
Part of the staggered project from Malim to Virlosa wards is complete and promptly spouts were seen in some stretches to let off waste water into the river.
National institute of oceanography (NIO) had found higher levels of bacteria for recreational bathing and even for fishing in Mandovi and Zuari rivers in a seven-year study till 2007. As per the European blue flag beach criteria, a coliform count in excess of 5 (colony forming units) CFU/ml in natural water is considered unsafe for bathing.
Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/sewage-pipes-pouring-into-mandovi-troubles-greens/articleshow/30485580.cms