Panchayat Leader Blocks STP Entrance in Sewage Dispute
Tensions over sewage disposal in North Goa reached a boiling point on Monday evening when the entrance to the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Baga was blocked. The protest was led by Arpora-Nagoa panchayat sarpanch Roshan Redkar, who was joined by several villagers, creating a dramatic standoff.
The core of the conflict was the alleged refusal of the STP management to allow sewage tankers from the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat to enter the facility. This incident marked a sharp escalation in a grievance that had been simmering for weeks.
"We Have Been Facing Harassment," Says Sarpanch
Speaking to reporters at the site, Sarpanch Roshan Redkar expressed his frustration. He stated that the panchayat had been dealing with persistent issues at the STP for the last two months. A brief respite came just two days prior to the incident when the plant management reportedly agreed to accommodate their tankers.
"Three of our tankers even managed to empty sewage there recently," Redkar claimed. However, the situation reversed on Monday when their tankers were once again turned away at the gate, prompting the direct action of blocking the entrance.
STP Management Cites Norms and Identification Issues
The management of the Baga STP presented a different perspective on the confrontation. They explained that the specific tanker was stopped because the sewage was not being brought "as per the established norms." Furthermore, they expressed uncertainty over whether the tanker in question officially belonged to the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat, leading to the refusal of entry.
Following a brief discussion between the sarpanch, villagers, and the STP staff, the immediate deadlock was broken. The panchayat's tanker was subsequently permitted to enter the plant, defusing the tense situation for the time being.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in waste management infrastructure and coordination between local governing bodies and facility operators in Goa's bustling coastal belt. While resolved quickly, the dispute underscores the need for clear protocols and communication to prevent future confrontations.
