Panaji: Amid concerns about groundwater being contaminated by sewage, particularly during the monsoons, the Corporation of the City of Panaji has directed residents, builders and contractors to ensure that all septic tanks adhere to stringent norms.CCP has specified guidelines for construction of standard septic tanks in the state capital, stating that they should be designed and installed as per standards issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).“Septic tanks must be properly designed as per the number of users, should be watertight with proper reinforced cement concrete slab cover, and necessary openings along with chamber covers and exhaust should be covered with mosquito nets,” said CCP commissioner Clen Madeira.He said that provision of a soak pit is mandatory for all types of construction.“Direct discharge into drains, storm water drains, nullahs and water bodies is strictly prohibited. Maintain adequate distance from wells and drinking water sources,” said the commissioner in a public notice.The notice comes just days after CCP mayor Rohit Monserrate warned that discharge of sewage into water bodies and interaction between groundwater and sewage will lead to health hazards in a few years in the city.Monserrate has already announced that a citywide survey will be conducted to identify where sewage is being let out into drains, water bodies or improperly into the ground.CCP’s notice states that illegal septic tanks will attract penalties and legal action.Madeira has also recommended that housing societies and commercial complexes should ensure periodic desludging through authorized agencies.He also warned that manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks is prohibited and recommended mechanized cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.Monserrate has also been holding detailed meetings with different officials from various govt departments like health, drinking water, sanitation and sewerage to further review and strengthen preventive efforts against dengue and malaria before the onset of the monsoons.According to officials, CCP’s discussions centered on strengthening preventive measures to mitigate the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria through on-ground action, and collaborative efforts between the Taleigao panchayat and the corporation.
