Hotels told to upgrade STPs; fishing jetties warned against oil discharge
Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz chairing a meeting called by the panchayat with representatives of the hotel industry and private fishing jetty operators as part of the River Sal rejuvenation plan.
MARGAO
With the River Sal coming under sharp focus after the Central Pollution Control Board classified the river under the “critically polluted” category, the Cavelossim Village Panchayat has initiated a comprehensive fact-checking exercise to ensure that starred resorts and hotels are complying with pollution control norms, particularly regarding the discharge of sewage and effluents.
Sarpanch Dixon Vaz has also brought two private fishing jetties under scrutiny, directing operators to prevent oil discharge from vessels and ensure that paint residues do not enter the river.
As part of its river rejuvenation initiative, the panchayat convened a meeting with major stakeholders, including representatives from the hospitality sector and the fishing industry, along with their chief engineers and maintenance managers. Key environmental compliance issues were discussed at the meeting. He said while the Central Pollution Control Board has classified the river as ‘critically polluted’ along the stretch from Nuvem to Orlim, the Cavelossim panchayat has taken the initiative to ensure that effluents from the village does not enter the river.
Addressing the media, Vaz said the discussions emphasised the need to upgrade Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) to meet prescribed standards. The panchayat has also decided to inspect and, where necessary, upgrade soak pits and septic tanks to prevent untreated discharge.
“We have impressed upon hotel operators to maintain their facilities in accordance with the conditions laid down in their consent to operate. They have been directed to properly manage sludge generated within their establishments and to install IoT-based monitoring systems for STPs,” Vaz said.
He further stated that the panchayat is committed to ensuring that no pollutants from the village enter the River Sal, warning that the river’s deteriorating condition poses a serious threat not only to the ecosystem but also to tourism along the coastal belt.
The panchayat has circulated compliance guidelines to hotel representatives and jetty operators, and officials from the Goa State Pollution Control Board are expected to carry out inspections to verify adherence.
With regard to the fishing jetties, operators have been instructed to prevent the discharge of oil into the river and to take adequate precautions during vessel painting to avoid contamination.
The panchayat has also stressed the need for STPs to remain operational at all times and function within capacity. Establishments have been advised to monitor septic tanks and soak pits to prevent overflow into drains. Additionally, they have been encouraged to explore the reuse of treated water for toilet flushing through dual plumbing systems and for gardening purposes.
GSPCB to conduct inspection of River Sal discharge points
MARGAO: Taking cognisance of the complaints received from Salcete coastal panchayats and political parties over the rampant discharge of sewage into the River Sal from Margao, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has called for a comprehensive joint inspection of the all the discharge points of River Sal.
The joint inspection will be carried out for three days and will be conducted by officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, besides the Assistant Engineer, Div XXI (SEW), Public Works Department, the General Manager, Sewerage & Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa, Margao Municipal Engineer, Medical Officer, Urban Health Centre and others.
The joint inspection is called by the GSPCB after it was in receipt of memorandums submitted by the Benaulim Congress block and other village panchayats of Salcete coastal areas.
