Benaulim locals irked over sewage seeping into pond

Margao: Benaulim locals were on Thursday were alarmed after they noticed black contaminated water from the River Sal at the Khareband junction entering the Vodlem thodem pond which then leads to the rest of the coastal villages in Salcete. Pointing to the ongoing work of the western bypass, they have said the closure of natural water ways has caused the flow of contaminated water from the river. 
Noticing the black contaminated water flowing from the river to the pond, locals called on sarpanch Ezlina Fernandes to intervene in the issue. Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao was also present at the site on Thursday morning. 

Speaking about the incident, local resident Royla Fernandes said the impact would be devastating for the village. “Locals had noticed an unusual incident where they noticed water from the river was flowing back in to the pond. We noticed that it was happening because of this project. The government should have thought of this when they were planning. We are approaching the monsoons and the bandhs were opened but because of the project, the natural flow has been stopped. This impact has caused the reverse movement of the water from the contaminated river. There is a WRD inspection report that said the contaminated water here can cause contamination of ground water throughout the village. This contaminated water has now entered the Vodlem thodem,” she said. 

Alemao meanwhile questioned the contractors that have been assigned to the project and called for a special meeting tomorrow, which is incidentally also World Environment Day. “I have been saying it time and again that the River Sal has to be dredged if the problem of flooding should be addressed. Right now because of the work, the water is not flowing properly and I have directed the contractors to immediately open the area to allow the free flow of water. I have asked for a meeting also tomorrow with the PWD on this,” he said.