The Goa State Pollution Control Board has finally cracked the whip by issuing directions to around 43 commercial establishments in Colva to connect to the 7.5 MLD sewage treatment plant, with notice sent to even Colva Residency owned by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. That the GSPCB means business this time is evident from the fact that compliance is sought within seven days, but the question is over this long delay.
Sewerage lines, both in Margao and Colva are grappling with similar issues -- reluctance to connect to the lines by businesses and citizens because it involves cost. There are dozens of establishments and residences which continue to channel their sewage through nullahs and open drains despite the availability of a sewerage line connection. A lack of political will and the monthly costs have been major factors responsible for the failure of the line.
While the move from the pollution board is welcome, given the rising level of pollution in the creek that is raising a stench at the iconic Colva beach, the delay in commissioning the STP throws a huge question mark over the intent behind the move. The issue has been before the High Court since 2011, and it is unfortunate that even twelve years later, there is still a struggle to plug raw sewage that is being flown into the creek.
The once world-famous Colva now remains a pale shadow of its earlier past with garbage, sewage and other evils pecking the beauty of the sands. Streams of yellow-coloured sewage water flowing from the creek backwards to the sea is an eye sore and a health hazard that has been long neglected. It comes as no surprise that the Central Pollution Control Board has included Colva as one of the most polluted beaches in India with a high pathogen count in seawater.
If such pollution has to be addressed, it has to be forceful and a collective effort from all departments, not just the Pollution Control Board. There has to be an active involvement of the Tourism Department, the PWD and even the Health Department. Going by the scale of pollution of the Colva creek, these authorities should have been in the thick of action. What we now see is a feeble attempt by the Pollution Control Board ahead of the High Court hearing next week. Ironically, while the outgoing PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral had said that the 7.5 MLD sewage treatment plant is ready for commissioning, one wonders why it is not done yet. Incidentally, while there is an impression created that establishments are not ready to connect to the pipeline, there are many businesses that have expressed willingness to do so.
Thanks to the court, the authorities have made small progress. It is appalling that more than a decade has gone by in tackling a crucial issue of this nature that impacts not only the environment but even tourism. Authorities need to push the pedal and ensure that the sewerage line is operational and effective. It would be a matter of time when the judiciary will have to go to the depth of the issue and expose the fault lines that are taking the State to the shores of uncertainty.
