Council vows action, probe on to trace source of pollution
File photo of GSPCB officials drawing water samples from the Mestawada Nullah in the presence of Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar.
VASCO
The Mestawada Nullah, which runs through Vasco’s only remaining farmland, has been contaminated with oil and grease, prompting outrage and a full-scale probe by the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to trace the source of the pollution.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, MMC Chairperson Girish Borker confirmed that laboratory analysis of water samples collected from the nullah revealed the presence of contaminants, substantiating suspicions raised earlier by Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar.
"We were shocked to find black liquid flowing through the nullah, which was clearly not normal. While some sewage discharge might be expected, the presence of oil and grease is a serious concern," Borker said, adding that the findings indicate a deliberate act of mischief.
Borker alleged that the pollution could be a targeted attempt to malign the civic body’s image, especially since Vasco did not experience flooding unlike other parts of Goa during recent rains.
"The timing of this is highly suspicious. When the entire state was battling waterlogging, Vasco was dry. It's possible someone resorted to this kind of sabotage to tarnish our reputation and our efforts," he said.
The MMC chairperson also condemned the act for its potential impact on nearby farmlands and assured the public that the council is determined to trace the origin of the contamination. "Dumping oil and grease into a water channel is not just irresponsible—it’s dangerous. It threatens the environment, agriculture, and public health. We will ensure strict action against those responsible."
The issue came to light earlier this week when Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar carried out two inspections at the site and called for immediate intervention by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), the Sewerage Department, and the Mormugao Deputy Collector.
Salkar, during his inspection on Thursday, had described the discharge of black liquid as “an act of sabotage” and stressed the need for a technical investigation. “While it could be mistaken for sewage, this looks like oil. We’ve collected samples and filed a police complaint. This seems to be a deliberate attempt to create unrest,” he said.
The contaminated area includes agricultural land where a new sewage pumping station is under construction as part of an effort to bring long-awaited sewerage connections to households that lacked them for decades.
Salkar had earlier stated that any attempt to disrupt this development or damage farmland would be treated with the utmost seriousness.
“We’ve always supported our farmers and this kind of harmful activity will not be tolerated. We will leave no stone unturned in identifying the culprits,” he said.
With political tensions simmering and environmental concerns growing, both MMC and the local MLA have assured that the investigation will be taken to its logical end and strict action will be taken once the polluters are identified.
