156 cases reported, situation under control: Collector
MARGAO
Saying that the diarrhoea situation at Dabolim is well under control, South Goa district Collector, Egna Cleetus, IAS on Friday said that inspection conducted by the Goa State Pollution Control Board has revealed serious lapses in the functioning of the Sewage Treatment Plants at the Sewage Disposal Issue at M/s Prabhu’s Violetta Phase I, Dabolim, including discharge of untreated sewage.
Addressing the media, the Collector said a total of 156 diarrhoea cases have been reported at Dabolim so far, the South Goa district Collector, Egna Cleetus, IAS has said the district administration, in coordination with all concerned departments, is closely monitoring the situation.
Saying the situation is well under control and there is no cause for panic, the Collector said that residents have been advised to follow advisories issued by the Health Department and report any symptoms promptly.
She said the District Administration has taken serious cognizance of the sewage disposal issue reported at M/s Prabhu’s Violetta Phase-I. “The first case of illness was reported on March 12, 2026, following which multiple complaints were received regarding contamination of water and associated health concerns. A total of 156 cases were reported,” she said.
Cases decline after initial surge
She, however, said the number of cases has shown a declining trend, with only two cases reported recently and no new cases reported on Friday, saying the situation is presently under control.
Taking stock of the situation and the GSPCB report, the District Collector convened a review meeting on Friday with all concerned stakeholders. The meeting was attended by officials from the Directorate of Health Services, Department of Drinking Water/PWD, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Police Department, and local health authorities.
During the meeting, the Health Department informed that microbiological culture tests were conducted on multiple water samples. The findings are as follows: Samples from garden pipe outlet, borewell, and borewell tap outlet were found positive (contaminated); samples from PWD water supply tank, swimming pool, and PWD tap outlets were found negative (safe).
“The Health Department has informed that Acute Diarrhoeal Disease is commonly caused by consumption of contaminated food or water and is characterised by frequent loose or watery stools, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, fever, and dehydration. The public is advised to consume only boiled, filtered, or chlorinated water and maintain proper hygiene, including regular handwashing, to prevent further spread,” she said.
Measures initiated
Saying that immediate measures have been initiated, the Collector said the establishment has been directed to stop discharge of untreated sewage immediately. “Arrangements have been made to transport sewage through authorised tankers to the government STP until the internal STPs are made fully functional,” she said adding that her office has mandated continuous monitoring and weekly compliance reporting.
She said the Health Department has also initiated necessary action under the Goa Public Health Act, 1985, and field teams are actively monitoring the health status of residents.
Society files complaint, police register case against builder
VASCO: A complaint filed by Lucas Fernandes, secretary of the Prabhu Violetta Society at Dabolim, has alleged continuous discharge of untreated sewage from the sewage treatment plant of Prabhu Realtors into open drains and the garden area of the residential complex.
The complainant stated that the discharge has been ongoing and has likely contaminated the surroundings, leading to health issues, including diarrhoea, among residents and triggering a public health concern.
Acting on the complaint, Vasco police have registered an offence against Amith Prabhu under Sections 125, 270, 271, 272, and 279 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Residents have expressed concern over deteriorating hygiene and living conditions, alleging that the issue has persisted for some time and raising questions over the maintenance and monitoring of sewage treatment systems in the complex. urther investigation is being carried out by PSI Nikhil Dessai under the supervision of PI Vaibhav Naik and the guidance of DySP Gurudas Kadam.
