The editorial ‘Rivers fail safety test; denial is no longer tenable’ (TGE, Nov 14) brilliantly exposes how our ecosystem in Goa is being systematically destroyed and rivers polluted due to the uncontrolled dumping of garbage and untreated sewage into our rivers. Recent publication of test results conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has shown that 12 out of the 15 river monitoring stations have failed the Board’s safety standards, with alarming levels of faecal coliforms, low oxygen levels and high BOD levels. Equally disturbing is the Goa government’s unconcern and its downplaying of the reports as temporary spikes, which the editorial has rightly pointed out. Mandovi, Zuari and Sal rivers are Goa’s lifelines, identity and culture. It is, therefore, the duty of the Goa government to protect these rivers before they turn into open drains, as rightly mentioned in the editorial.
AF Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
