Need of the hour for Goa is wastewater treatment
Polluted waters of Goa have caught the attention of international media - directly intimidating the state’s tourism sector. The state has less than 25 per cent of treatment capacity and sewage is directly discharged into water bodies in various parts of the state. Studies by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and the Goa State Pollution Control Board confirm the presence of high coliform in the river water of Goa. The state’s two major rivers namely Mandovi and Zuari are highly polluted at almost all points with the fecal coliform varying from 1300-3300 MPN/100ml. There is enough evidence that the coastal water in some areas of Goa is not acceptable for bathing, fishing or recreational purposes. There are also reports of fields in tourist villages turning into catchment areas for wastewater. Loss of aquatic life due to exceeding pollution in the river Sal, and several other lakes, canals and creeks of Goa calls for responsible action.
As World Water Day is observed on March 22 and the theme for 2017 is Wastewater, a serious thought is required on the treatment and reuse of wastewater in the state of Goa, especially considering the rising urbanisation and increase in tourist arrivals. Management and treatment of the entire bulk of wastewater of Goa would bring in a paradigm shift in the tourism industry in the state.
Goa, being one of the most important tourist destinations in India, a robust sewerage system is essential for improving public health and enhancing tourism development. Sewerage network for Panaji Town was taken up as early as 1960, followed by Vasco Town in 1985 and Margao in 1990. However, rapid urbanisation and rise in tourist arrivals have resulted in increased municipal wastewater generation beyond the treatment capacities of the existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). In the year 2015, the total sewage generation of Goa’s urban population was 145 Million Litres per Day (MLD), while the treatment capacity in the state was only 74.58 MLD with 7 STPs functioning in the state. The urban areas of Panaji, Vasco and Margao have STPs with the capital city of Panaji having the highest coverage of 61 per cent. Water quality assessments suggest that there is a long way to go and the state of Goa has tremendous potential for wastewater treatment which has already attracted several market players.
Decentralised waste water treatment systems have proved to be cost effective and efficient with several positive case studies for replication. In Goa, the most commonly used technologies are Extended Aeration (EA) and Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR). Another affordable, sustainable, and replicable technology that does not need electricity is the Phytorid technology. The water treated from such a system meets the State Pollution Control Board standards and can be reused for back-flushing and irrigation. This technology is being used at the Sewerage and Infrastructural Development Corporation of Ponda, a few shacks and hotels along the tourist belt.
In order to safeguard the pristine environment as well as the health and wellbeing of the local population and tourists, it is vital to treat the wastewater generated in the state. This would require redesigning of the existing sewer system network, GIS inventory mapping and data base management system, efficient maintenance mechanism and establishing O&M system for complete treatment of sewage. With improved wastewater treatment, sanitation and hygiene standards, there is tremendous scope for a manifold increase in foreign tourists to enjoy the unique beauty and scenic splendour of Goa.
* This publication is part of a research study on Urban Water and Sanitation in India, which is coordinated by Coca-Cola Department of Regional Water Studies at TERI University, New Delhi and is funded by the USAID. The views expressed here are sole those of the authors and not of the affiliated organisations
