MAPUSA
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has launched efforts to trace the root cause of rising pollution in the State’s sea and river waters, initiating several corrective measures even as the tourism sector comes under increased scrutiny for its role in the environmental degradation.
“All this faecal contamination in the sea water is mainly due to sewage being discharged into the water bodies,” an official said, on condition of anonymity.
The tourism-driven State, with its 105-kilometre-long shoreline, is dotted with starred hotels, guest houses and beach shacks – bringing the spotlight squarely on the adequacy and effectiveness of sewage treatment facilities.
According to the Board, one of the first steps in curbing marine pollution is to assess whether sewage treatment plants (STPs) across Goa – 13 in total, operated by both government and private entities – are functioning efficiently.
An online monitoring system, which records Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels, is mandatory for all STPs, but compliance remains patchy.
“Only two or three plants have installed the required monitoring systems. Others have cited delays in tendering processes. Some STPs are connected to the Board’s system, but several are not,” a source revealed.
“We’ve done our job and written to them, but enforcement and accountability remain a concern,” he added.
A recent report released by the GSPCB has revealed alarming levels of pollution in the State’s coastal and river waters, rendering them unfit for commercial fishing.
The report highlights the high presence of faecal coliform bacteria in several water bodies, pointing to untreated sewage as a primary source of contamination.
The GSPCB has also turned its attention to the hospitality sector.
While all large hotels are expected to operate their own STPs, the Board has conducted an audit of major properties and issued directives to address observed deficiencies.
“Monitoring is a continuous process, and it’s important the Board maintains a close watch on compliance,” another official stressed.
In addition to large hotels, seasonal beach shacks – many of which operate in close proximity to the sea and rivers – have also come under scrutiny.
The Board had earlier conducted a drive to enforce the installation of sewage treatment systems for these temporary structures.
In response to a High Court directive, the GSPCB wrote to both the State government and the Goa Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), urging them to devise a practical mechanism for waste management in shacks.
“We had suggested a temporary sewage treatment solution since most shacks cannot afford the high capital costs. A mini STP, which costs around Rs 6 to Rs 7 lakh, could be a viable option,” the official said.
“Such a system could be tendered out or implemented on a build-own-operate model, with operators being charged based on the volume of sewage treated,” he added.
The GSPCB has also insisted that all homestays and residential properties being used for tourism purposes should be equipped with sewage treatment facilities.
