People, both tourists and locals, are attracted to the beaches and rivers where they have a swim. Many elderly people have their annual bath in the sea water which is known to have therapeutic value. However what comes as a shocker is that Goa’s well known beaches are turning toxic. The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has observed that major beaches, namely Miramar, Calangute, Morjim, Tiracol and Vagator in the North and Mobor, Baina, Velsao and Galgibag in the South are most polluted with high levels of faecal coliform. The water quality data analysis for the year 2021-2022 has also revealed that the state’s major rivers namely Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Tiracol, Chapora are also highly polluted with faecal coliform exceeding the permissible limit. It is learnt that various factors can be attributed to the presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the water but the most common is the disposal of untreated or partially treated sewage. If disease-causing bacteria are present, the most common symptoms are gastrointestinal upset and general flu-like symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. The risk of skin-related symptoms was also significantly elevated. The bacteria are highly adapted to the saline environment. Though chlorination can remove the bacteria in the water, it is not possible to treat the sea and river with chlorine. The only way forward is for the authorities to see that no sewage is released in the water bodies.
