TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: After years of neglect, the stage is finally set for the much-awaited study and status of the contamination of Salcete’s lifeline, river Sal.
Japan’s Asahi Geo Survey Ltd empanelled by JICA is bracing up to carry out a pilot survey to ascertain the status analysis of river Sal with respect to its chemical content of both the surface and ground water. Actual work of remediation or de-contamination of the river will get underway after Ms Asahi submits its report to the GSPCB and JICA after the 18-month long survey of the river course ~ right from its place of origin at Verna to the river mouth at Betul. The survey will also cover the rivulet passing through Cuncolim given the location of an industrial estate.
Says Goa State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary, Levinson Martins: “The Board has entered into an agreement with Asahi to conduct the survey, which will target the river Sal basin, including the industrial areas at Verna and Cuncolim. The survey is expected to be complete within 18 months. Actual work of bio-remediation will begin after the completion of the survey.”
A team comprising of GSPCB, JICA and Asahi inspected the river at Cuncolim and at Mobor. “We have also taken up the rivulet passing by the Cuncolim Industrial Estate and joining the river Sal at Assolna to study the presence of pollutants and heavy metal in the water,” he said.
As per the memorandum of understanding entered between GSPCB and Ms Asahi, the agency will conduct an environmental site assessment and boring survey in the river, besides identifying the pollutants and contaminants. The remediation by bio-remediation will be conducted on site, while ground water monitoring will be conducted as post-survey of bioremediation. The agency will also conduct flow simulation for effective use of water resources in the river.
