the goan I network
PANAJI
The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal at New Delhi has directed Goa, other states and union territories to prepare action plans within two months to make all polluted river stretches fit at least for bathing purposes within six months from the date of finalisation of the action plans.
The NGT had taken note of a media report which had highlighted claims by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that 351 polluted stretches of rivers are critically polluted.
The NGT noted that “river water is considered to be fit for bathing when it meets the criteria of having Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) less than 3.0 mg/L, Dissolved Oxygen more than 5.0 mg/L and Faecal Coliform bacteria to be less than 500 MPN/100 ml.”
Among the 11 rivers, the stretch of the Sal river from Khareband to Mobor is considered most polluted (Priority III, BOD between 10-20 mg/l), followed by the stretch of the Mandovi river (Marcela to Volvoi) and stretch of Talpona along Canacona (Priority IV, BOD between 6-10 mg/l), while other eight stretches are classified as Priority V (BOD between 3-6 mg/l).
The NGT bench directed that action plans may be prepared by a four-member committee comprising, director (environment), director (urban development), director (industries) and member secretary (SPCB).
“This committee will also be the Monitoring Committee for execution of the action plan. The Committee may be called “River Rejuvenation Committee” (RRC).
The NGT stated that the action plan “will include components like identification of polluting sources including functioning/status of STPs/ETPs/CETP and solid waste management and processing facilities etc.”
Stating that the chief secretary of the state would be personally accountable for failure to formulate action plan, the NGT added that state has been directed to set up Special Environment Surveillance Task Force, comprising nominees of District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Regional Officer of SPCB and one person to be nominated by District Judge in his capacity as Chairman of Legal Services Authority.
The Task Force will also ensure that no illegal mining takes place in river beds of such polluted stretches, directed the NGT.
“The RRC will have a website inviting public participation from educational institutions, religious institutions and commercial establishments. Achievement and failure may also be published on such website,” the NGT stated.
Polluted stretches of 11 Goan
rivers identified by NGT
River Polluted Stretch
Zuari Curchorem to Madkai
Mandovi Marcela to Volvoi
Sal Khareband to Mobor
Talpona Along Canacona
Assonora Assonora to Sirsaim
Bicholim Bicholim to Curchorem
Chapora Pernem to Morjim
Khandepar Ponda to Opa
Sinquerim Along Candolim
Tiracol Along Tiracol
Valvant Sakhali“Bicholim to Poriem
Action plan to address areas
Ground water extraction
Adopting good irrigation practices
Protection, management of Flood Plain Zones
Rainwater harvesting, ground water charging
Maintaining minimum environmental flow of river
Plantation on both sides of the river
Setting up of biodiversity parks on flood plains by removing encroachment
