An official collects a sample of water and sludge from a field near the Baga STP as part of an investigation into alleged sewage discharge and environmental violations.
MAPUSA
Residents of Calangute and Baga, led by the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF), have raised serious environmental concerns over the alleged malfunctioning of the sewage treatment plant (STP) at Baga, claiming that untreated sewage is being discharged into nearby agricultural fields and the Baga River, causing widespread pollution and ecological damage.
Acting on the complaint filed by CCF, a joint inspection was conducted on Friday by officials from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Calangute Panchayat and the local Health Department at the Baga STP.
According to CCF President Premanand Diukar, the inspection revealed gross mismanagement and environmental violations in the plant’s operations.
He alleged that untreated or inadequately treated sewage is being released into the surrounding agricultural fields, destroying standing crops and severely reducing soil fertility, rendering the land unsuitable for future cultivation.
Diukar further stated that the Baga River has been significantly polluted due to the direct discharge of sewage, warning of long-term consequences.
“Over 40 tankers carrying sewage from other areas in Goa are being offloaded at the plant daily – that’s nearly 3 lakh litres of sewage. The plant clearly lacks the capacity to process this volume, and the excess is being discharged untreated,” he said.
He cautioned that continued discharge of untreated waste could lead to contamination of the coastal waters near Baga Beach, posing a serious threat to marine ecosystems, tourism, and the local economy.
Conflicting views from officials
In contrast, Health Officer Dr Roshan Nazareth, who was part of the inspection team, maintained that the plant appeared to be functioning within normal parameters.
“All indicators were within acceptable limits during the inspection. The only issue seems to be that rainwater may have carried sludge into the fields, which might be causing confusion,” Dr Nazareth said.
He added that the GSPCB has collected water and soil samples from various locations near the STP during the inspection. “Once the lab reports are available, we will have a clearer picture and take corrective action if required,” he said.
