Team Herald
MARGAO: Following concerns raised by local citizens, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), in collaboration with the Colva village panchayat and local representatives, conducted an inspection of the Colva creek on Friday.
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The inspection aimed to address the issue of wastewater being discharged into the sea.
Upon inspection, it was revealed that sewage was being released into the creek.
Reacting to this, MLA Venzy Viegas emphasized the need for immediate action by the Pollution Control Board.
“To keep Colva creek clean, action must be taken against establishments discharging sewage, and the state government must take the initiative to address this issue,” Viegas stated.
He also called for the closure of toilets located near the creek by the Tourism Department.
GSPCB officials collected water samples for testing during the inspection.
Viegas further remarked that he was informed of the board’s inspection and was asked to notify the local MLA and panchayat office.
He highlighted that human faeces had been found in the water samples from Colva Bay, as he pointed out that whenever issues regarding Colva beach, Varca beach, and the Sal River arise, no concrete action is taken by the state government. Despite inspections by the Pollution Control Board, no effective measures are implemented.
Viegas stressed that while toilets and changing rooms are provided for tourists, if the sewage from these facilities is directly discharged into the beach they must be closed.
With the tourist season for Christmas and New Year approaching, he warned that ongoing pollution in Colva beach and coastal areas could harm tourism.
He also noted that sewage from Margao and Fatorda is being released into the Sal River, ultimately flowing into Colva beach, and called for immediate action to stop this.
Sarpanch Suzy Fernandes confirmed that the panchayat had been informed of significant sewage discharge into Colva beach.
She recalled a similar incident in March of the previous year when sewage from changing rooms and toilets was discharged into the creek. After an inspection by the Pollution Control Board and the Biodiversity Committee, the police had filed a complaint. The facility was allowed to restart after obtaining a court order.
However, Fernandes expressed concern that authorities had not provided details on where or when the sewage was being redirected.
“Tourists should be provided with changing rooms, but if toilets are situated near the creek, sewage discharge becomes inevitable. The Pollution Department should take immediate action and the Tourism Department should close down the toilets while maintaining only the changing rooms.
