Water bodies in the state which have supported life for centuries, are now facing an unprecedented crisis. Pollution in these water sources is escalating at an alarming rate. The problem begins with the unchecked flow of sewage into rivers, lakes, and coastal water bodies. River Sal is choking under the weight of untreated sewage. The water is now contaminated, threatening both aquatic life and these communities. In the case of Mala Lake, the lack of oxygen has led to the death of several fish species. The sewage and industrial effluents that flow unchecked into these water bodies create a suffocating environment for marine life. St Inez Creek, once a beautiful waterway, has now been reduced to an open sewer, filled with chemicals, plastics and untreated waste. A video has recently surfaced, showing a tanker unloading industrial effluents into an irrigation canal adjoining the Cuncolim Industrial Estate. Mining waste, when improperly managed, can leach harmful chemicals into the groundwater, leading to long-term environmental damage. Authorities need to take immediate remedial steps to address the root causes of pollution, enforce existing environmental regulations, and develop long-term strategies for preserving these vital resources.
