‘Beautification at Sanguem without WRD nod’

QUEPEM: A Rs 32-lakh beautification project that comprised a structure extending about 20m into the Sangam and a retaining wall on its banks was taken up by Sanguem Municipal Council (SMC) without obtaining an approval from the water resources department (WRD), revealed an RTI reply to a query by SMC councillor Fouziya Shaikh.
The project at Kottapar, Sanguem, was completed two years after it was pursued by former SMC councillor Sanjay Raikar in his ward number 8, about 500m south of the river’s confluence (Sangam), the RTI reply states.
The construction covers about 25%of its width at Kottapar, a quiet and beautiful spot in the town. At low tide, the walls on either side of the steps turn the structure into a pool. A Curchorem youth drowned here last year as the walls submerge quickly during high tide.
The construction of a 100-odd metre retaining wall along western side of Raikar’s property on the river bank was another major project component. A tarred road links the steps and seating arrangements have also been done at the spot.
Sanguem town derives its name from Sangam — the confluence of two tributaries, which flow down from the Sahyadri foothills. One almost encircles the town’s core area from the southern side as it reaches Kottapar and joints the other one in the north near the partly submerged Sangameshwar temple.
“We were not aware about the project,” a water resources department (WRD) official said.
Raikar on his part said that the council took up the project and denied knowledge about the septic tank. “Obtaining NOC for the project was the council’s job,” he said.
Shaikh’s effort, though, has thrown focus on the beautification, after silence from other councillors, citizens and government agencies to the concretisation and construction of a septic tank on river banks. “We initially thought the project had WRD approval,” Shaikh said.
The river flowing from hills and forest areas brought fresh water, which since decades past, was used for drinking, bathing and washing clothes by locals.
The two-time councillor in her complaint to the WRD has demanded stringent action against Raikar.
“The 100-metre wall is an obstruction and works, including septic tank may pollute the river, she said.