Team Herald
MARGAO: Senior officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD), along with Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas and Colva panchayat members conducted a joint inspection to assess the severe pollution of Colva Creek, and the unsightly black sludge that has now spread over a part of Colva beach.
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Colva panch Teresa Silva expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the beach due to the polluted water. She attributed the contamination to a public toilet at the beach, alleging that it was discharging wastewater into the open.
It may be recalled that the panchayat has been in conflict with the government over this issue, having lodged complaints with various authorities, including the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), which had taken action against those operating the toilet.
During Wednesday’s inspection, Viegas lamented that a WRD proposal for regular cleaning of the creek and beach—suggested by him—was rejected due to cost concerns. He pointed out that WRD had estimated the cost at Rs 15-20 lakh, but argued that the expense would have been justified given the persistent pollution problem.
The MLA further stated that even if small-scale measures were implemented now, the issue would resurface within 15 days, emphasizing the need for a long-term solution. In the interim, he urged the WRD to implement short-term measures to mitigate the pollution until a permanent fix is in place.
Viegas also invited BJP leaders, who are scheduled to hold a function in Colva soon, to visit the beach and witness the situation firsthand. He criticized the BJP-led government for repeatedly ignoring his concerns, despite raising them multiple times in past Legislative Assembly sessions.
Looking ahead, he noted that a tourism festival is planned at the beach in May and expressed hope that the area would be cleaned by then—not through temporary fixes, but with a lasting solution.
