Margao: The Assolda panchayat has written to the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Goa Limited (SIDCGL), raising concerns about the construction activities of the sewage treatment plant (STP) at Curchorem.The panchayat pointed out that the ongoing construction work is obstructing the free flow of rainwater, posing flood risks to Hodar.Sarpanch Custodio Fernandes, in his letter to SIDCGL, stated that Hodar, which comes under the Assolda panchayat’s jurisdiction, faces the threat of flooding as natural water flow is disrupted by the project activities. The panchayat has requested immediate action.The concerns raised by Assolda panchayat assume significance in the backdrop of a joint inspection of the under-construction sewage treatment plant by Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on Monday, following complaints of environmental violations by local residents.Locals pointed out that the sewage treatment plant is being constructed disregarding religious sentiments as Ganapati visarjan takes place hardly a few metres from the site. Environmental activist Aditya Dessai, who filed the complaint triggering the inspection, said that the project has bypassed crucial environmental safeguards.He demanded an immediate halt to all construction work and relocation of the sewage treatment plant to a non-ecologically sensitive area.
