Panaji has taken a pioneering step in urban sanitation by introducing India’s first vacuum sewer network system, a significant advancement in managing sewage in flood-prone areas. Officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the project is part of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and is set to benefit over 200 households in low-lying areas such as Mala and the St. Inez Creek.
The vacuum sewer technology offers a modern solution, especially in areas where traditional gravity-based systems face challenges due to high water tables and narrow streets. By requiring only shallow installation and minimal excavation, this system provides an efficient alternative to Panaji’s long-standing sewage issues.
Chief Minister Sawant, who also oversees the Public Works Department, praised the Rs 8.52 crore project as transformative for the city’s waste management. He emphasized the system’s ability to enhance sanitation and the overall quality of life for residents, noting its role in safeguarding the environment. “This fully automated vacuum sewer network will significantly enhance sanitation while protecting our natural surroundings,” Sawant remarked, underscoring its potential to reduce water pollution from untreated sewage.
The system has been specifically designed to address the challenges of the region’s monsoons and high tides, ensuring that sewage is safely transported to treatment facilities, thus minimizing the risk of groundwater contamination. This is particularly crucial for the preservation of the St. Inez Creek, which feeds into the Mandovi River, as it helps prevent untreated sewage from polluting this important waterway.
Beyond improving sewage management, the project is a key element of Panaji’s Smart Cities Mission, aimed at modernizing urban infrastructure. It complements broader initiatives focused on enhancing public health, sanitation, road networks, and essential services. Chief Minister Sawant assured the community that this project is the start of a broader strategy to enhance urban infrastructure with sustainable, health-focused solutions.
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With this new vacuum sewer network, Panaji is setting a standard for innovative sewage management, offering a model for other cities facing similar geographical and infrastructural challenges.
