MAPUSA
In a significant move, the Goa State Pollution Control Board and the Electricity Department have taken stringent action against a resort, ‘La Zamora La Riza’ operated by Waynar Facilities Pvt Ltd, following severe allegations of water pollution affecting a local well and a borewell used by locals for consumption and daily use.
The Electricity Department disconnected power to the resort after orders were issued to halt its operations due to illegal activities and environmental violations.
The controversy began when the Vanadevi Devasthan Committee, led by Shyam Naik, along with fifty villagers, lodged a complaint on October 19, 2023, with the Siolim Health Center.
They reported that wastewater from the resort was contaminating a central well near the Vanadevi Devasthan and a nearby borewell, crucial water sources for the local community.
Residents had noted a foul smell and undrinkable water, posing significant health risks.
The Siolim Health Center forwarded the complaint to the Goa State Pollution Control Board, which conducted an inspection on October 31, 2023, and collected water samples.
The inspection report, released on November 15, 2023, confirmed the contamination of both the well and borewell.
Consequently, the health center issued a seepage shutdown notice to the resort on December 12, 2023, followed by a power disconnection notice to the electricity department on January 31, 2024.
Despite these measures, Waynar Facilities Pvt Ltd appealed against the order of the health centre before the Director of Health, resulting in the Deputy Director of the Health Department suspending the power disconnection notice.
The deputy director then ordered a joint inspection to reassess the situation.
On May 4, 2024, a second water sample analysis reaffirmed the contamination.
Acting on the second report, the Siolim Health Center directed the Electricity Department on May 17, 2024, to disconnect the power to the resort. Subsequently, on May 21, 2024, the Goa State Pollution Control Board also ordered the cessation of all commercial activities at the resort.
Local residents, who rely on the well and borewell due to inadequate tap water supply from the Public Works Department (PWD) have expressed frustration and concern.
They also criticized the Anjuna Panchayat for issuing an occupancy certificate to the resort despite the lack of a mandated sewage treatment plant (STP).
“This negligence has deprived us of clean water,” said Umesh Kolwalkar, a villager, adding, “The panchayat ignored our complaints and allowed this project to operate without proper environmental safeguards.”
The swift action by the Siolim Health Center and the Goa State Pollution Control Board underscore the importance of adhering to environmental regulations to protect community health and natural resources.
The situation remains tense as residents await further developments and the potential resolution of their water supply issues.
