PANAJI
Even as Goa has made notable progress in reducing the number of polluted river stretches over the past six years, the sharp and alarming decline in the health of the River Sal -- the lifeline of South Goa -- has emerged as a serious environmental red flag, with pollution levels now breaching critical limits.
According to the latest data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the number of polluted river stretches in Goa has dropped significantly from 11 in 2018 to just two between 2018 and 2023. However, this overall improvement masks the worsening condition of the River Sal, which has now entered the “critically polluted” category.
Earlier classified under Criteria IV, with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels between 6–10 mg/L, the River Sal now records BOD levels exceeding 20 mg/L, placing it among priority critically polluted stretches. The stretch from Rumder to Orlem Bridge has been identified as highly polluted.
The Mapusa river is the only other river that continues to remain polluted, with no improvement in its BOD levels. It remains under Criteria V classification.
“Water quality of 15 rivers in Goa was monitored at 32 locations during 2022 and 2023. Out of these, four locations across two rivers were found non-complying with prescribed water quality criteria with respect to BOD,” the CPCB report stated.
The board has recommended a comprehensive restoration strategy focusing on source control, including identification and management of polluting sources such as sewage treatment plants (STPs), effluent treatment plants (ETPs), and solid waste processing facilities. It has also called for quantification and characterization of waste generated within river catchments.
“Action plans should also include river basin management and floodplain protection measures, such as adoption of improved irrigation practices, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge,” the report added.
Back in 2018, Goa had 11 highly polluted river stretches. By 2021, the number had reduced to six, including stretches of the Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Khandepar, Mapusa, and Kalna rivers, classified under Criteria IV and V, indicating BOD levels between 3–10 mg/L.
In 2018, eight stretches fell under Category V, including Assonora to Sirsaim (Assonora), Bicholim to Curchirem (Bicholim), Ponda to Opa (Khandepar), Candolim (Sinquerim), Tiracol, Sankli–Bicholim to Poriem (Valvanti), and Curchorem to Madkai (Zuari). Two stretches — Marcela to Volvoi (Mandovi) and along Canacona (Talpona) — were categorised under Category IV, while the Khareband to Mobor stretch of the Sal river fell under Category III.
