Team Herald
MARGAO: Residents of Sao Jose de Areal launched an impromptu search mission on Monday to trace the source of foul-smelling, contaminated water that had been flowing through the village, past the Panchayat Ghar and into nearby paddy fields.
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The issue came to light during a Gram Sabha meeting on Sunday, where villagers raised concerns about a strong, unbearable
odour emanating around the Panchayat Ghar.
Following the complaints, Deputy Sarpanch Piety, along with social activist Fredy Travasso and other villagers, embarked on a search through the thick vegetation surrounding the village on Monday morning.
While their initial efforts did not yield results, the group eventually discovered the contaminated water flowing into a nullah (drain), before making its way into the fields. This discovery has raised serious concerns about potential environmental damage and public health risks.
Activist Fredy Travasso has called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), as well as local police and health authorities, to take immediate action to identify the source of the contaminated water and hold those responsible accountable.
“We have gathered enough evidence to show where the contaminated water is coming from and who may be responsible for discharging it. However, we still want the GSPCB team to conduct a formal investigation and bring the violators to justice. If the GSPCB is unable to pinpoint the source or identify the culprits, we are prepared to provide them with the evidence,” Fredy said.
Fredy added that the village’s Panchayat, headed by Sarpanch Carmeena Fernandes, fully supports the investigation.
“The Panchayat is with the villagers, and we will extend our full support to the GSPCB if they are serious about investigating and uncovering the source of this contamination,” he added.
The villagers have made a heartfelt appeal to CM Pramod Sawant and Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, urging them to take immediate action.
