MARGAO, MAY 21
The Goa Pollution Control Board has directed the Colva village Panchayat to take immediate steps to ensure that all water bodies in Colva village, particularly the Colva creek are restored to their original state by adopting environmentally sound measures.
The Board has directed the Colva panchayat to ensure that the discharge of sewage, sullage, kitchen waste water and septic tanks from hotels, restaurants, eateries into the Colva creek, water bodies and storm water drains and fields is stopped forthwith.
The Board has asked the Panchayat to further ensure that all solid waste generated by the village from hotels, restaurants, eateries, shacks, residential apartments and other commercial establishments is collected, treated and disposed off in accordance with the Rural Garbage scheme, 2005 and in accordance with the various orders of the High court.
The panchayat has been directed to submit an Action plan and time schedule with regard to the compliance of the directions within a period of 15 days and warned of legal action under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Convenor of Colva Civic and Consumer Forum Judith Almeida has said the report has clearly asked the concerned departments to act fast before an epidemic breaks out in Colva village. She said the Forum would be compelled to approach the judiciary if the Colva Panchayat body and other authorities failed to comply with the directions of the Pollution Control Board.
