The contamination of Goa’s water bodies surfaced in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday with legislators raising grave environmental crisis and widespread water pollution. Recent studies have reported alarming levels of contamination across the state’s rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal waters. Approximately 60% of tested water bodies, including 11 major rivers and numerous lakes, are polluted due to untreated sewage, garbage dumping, industrial waste, and construction debris. This pollution not only endangers aquatic ecosystems but also poses serious health risks to residents and tourists alike.
The decision by Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar to set up dedicated sub-divisions to monitor water quality, enhance surveillance and ensure timely identification of pollution sources is welcome, and so is the proposal to impose fines for discharging untreated wastewater into water bodies. The question is whether this is too little too late. The levels of pollution have been alarming, and damage has already been inflicted on these water bodies while authorities watched helplessly.
River Sal, which has been a lifeline running through South Goa and River Mandovi have recorded alarming levels of faecal coliform. Untreated water from residents and commercial establishments has been channelled through nullahs, and in some cases, even linked directly to the river flow. Also, rivers, especially the Zuari River, have reported another ecological risk due to high concentrations of microplastics.
Lakes and wetlands also bear the brunt of pollution. Around 67 lakes, ponds, and temple tanks—such as Nanda Lake, a designated Ramsar site, Bondvoll Lake, and Toyaar Lake—are contaminated. While common citizens have been battling to save these heritage wetlands, contamination has been threatening their existence. St Inez Creek remains the eyesore of the capital city, recently declared as one of India’s cleanest cities. The Central Pollution Control Board has reported that major tourist beaches in Goa like Baga, Palolem, and Baina, have recorded elevated contamination levels. Add to this list the recent finding of polluted seawater at Caranzalem.
Sadly, departments have remained in denial over such pollution. Don’t spread panic, has been the refrain. High-ranking officials and ministers have slammed surveys, including the one conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board and the Goa University. Instead of addressing the issue by taking the available data as a base, authorities have allowed this issue to fester. It is baffling that no action has been initiated despite River Sal recording 24,000 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100 ml of water of faecal coliform when the acceptable level is 1000-2000 MPN. Establishing technical laboratories is not a priority; plugging the gaps in the current system is.
Lest we forget, currently, the State Pollution Control Board monitors water quality. The board has already acknowledged the widespread contamination and even identified the broad factors responsible for the crisis. Monitoring has happened and failed. The need is to look beyond. Maharashtra, which has 54 polluted stretches, the highest in India, have taken promising initiatives that have yielded success. The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and the newly established Maharashtra State River Rejuvenation Authority (MSRRA) are initiatives that have given results in fair measure. Goa needs to learn from the measures undertaken by such states and move beyond mere monitoring.
Goa has reached a stage where even entering the river waters poses risks of infections. Monitoring mechanisms are long-term solutions, and given the current situation, the State needs a robust and comprehensive approach.
