PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Department of Drinking Water, Goa State Pollution Control Board and a resort over complaints of pollution of the Par River, a source of drinking water for Bardez.
The Commission, in its order on Tuesday, has directed the three respondents to file their replies on August 26.
The complaint, dated August 1, was filed by residents of Assonora, who alleged that Par River was polluted with garbage, sewage and other waste being discharged into the river. The residents specifically alleged that untreated wastewater and faecal sludge from the private party -- which runs a chain of leisure resorts -- near the water treatment plant was being released into the river.
The complaint further claimed that the river water, despite being polluted, was being drawn at regular intervals at the Public Works Department water treatment plant at Moitem, Assonora, for treatment and supply to households across Bardez.
The complainant residents urged the Commission to initiate suo motu proceedings in public interest and order an immediate inspection of Par River from its origin to the intake point at the water treatment plant besides issuing other directions in the welfare of the people.
