PANAJI
Think twice before you take a plunge into the sea off the beaches of Goa. Known for its beach tourism, Goa’s sea water is not safe for bathing as it may be a source of bacterial disease.
The tourist centric beaches -- Miramar, Calangute, Morjim, Tiracol and Vagator in North and Mobor, Baina, Velsao, Colva and Galjibaga in South -- are highly-polluted and infested with disease causing pathogens.
Water samples collected from these have indicated a high concentration of faecal coliform and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), both of which point to the presence of pathogens and bacteria in water.
According to the latest data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in July, the presence of faecal coliform indicates that the water has been contaminated with faecal material of humans or animals. The water samples showed the reading for faecal coliform and BOD way in excess of the acceptable limit.
As per the CPCB guidelines, the quality standards for water used for bathing and contact water sports demand that the faecal coliform level remains below 100 MPN (most probable number) per 100 mililitre (ml) of water and a BOD level of 3 miligram per litre (mg/L).
The level of faecal coliform was found to be in the range of 500-1100 per 100 ml of water during the study conducted for the year 2022-23. The BOD limit was also in the range of 1.9 to 2.9 miligram per litre as against the permissible limit of one mg/l for Goa beaches. The level of Dissolved oxygen (DO) varies from 6 to 8 mg/L.
According to the officials from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), various factors can be attributed to the high level of pollution in the beach water but the most common is the disposal of untreated or partially treated raw sewage.
“There are so many shacks and other establishments and also residential units located along these beaches, who pump out untreated sewage or domestic waste into the water,” the official said.
