Phase III awaits Central approval on 60:40 funding ratio; proposal to cover 58 km of Curchorem and surrounding areas with sewer network
PANAJI
As part of rejuvenation of Zuari River stretch, the Goa government has proposed Rs 425 crore ‘pollution abatement and conservation’ plan covering 58 km long area of Curchorem and surrounding with new sewerage system. The project has been taken up under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
The Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Limited (SIGCGL), the nodal agency for implementing the project, has moved a proposal to the Union Ministry for Jal Shakti on 60:40 ratio between the Central and State government.
The proposal is part of Phase III of NRCP, covering areas of Assolda, Xelvona, Karmaliwada, Xeldem and others with sewer network covering 58 km long stretch.
During the recently held River Rejuvenation Committee meeting, SIDCGL Managing Director Rajendra Khanna, informed about the implementation of Phase III, the financial nod for which is awaited from the Ministry.
Khanna said that the stretch of the Zuari River from Curchorem to Madkai was identified under priority criteria-V in 2021 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and was later re-categorised under priority criteria-IV in 2022.
“In view of the same, SIDCGL desires to expand the scope of the sewerage network to treat the wastewater from the habitations from areas of Assolda, Xelvona, Karmaliwada and Xeldem to prevent any further deterioration in water quality in the absence of proper sewerage facilities in these areas,” he said.
Under NRCP, Khanna, explained about the detailed project report towards setting up sewerage network and sewerage treatment plant in Curchorem and its surrounding areas in three phases.
The phase I of the scheme, covering Curchorem Municipal area was taken up in 2021 under the State government funding and around 36 km of sewer line was laid, whereas in the second phase, Ministry sanctioned cost of Rs 81.14 cr on 60:40 basis for laying 13 km sewer line in Cuppamodi, Kamral, Khammamol and surrounding areas along with construction of 7.5 MLD capacity STP.
“This work is currently in progress and 10 km sewer line is already laid,” he said.
The three-year long project aims at reducing the pollution load of the Zuari River stretch through implementation of various pollution abatement works, thereby improving their water quality.
The project includes pollution abatement works like sewage pumping stations, sewerage system, setting up of sewage treatment plants (STPs), online monitoring system, river front development works, etc.
