In compliance with a High Court order, the Pollution Control Board and the Margao Municipality conducted a court-directed inspection at the Nallah near Kudchadkar Hospital in Shirvodem on Wednesday. The inspection, steered by petitioner Antonio Alvares and local farmers from Navelim, uncovered a significant volume of plastic waste floating in the waterway. Despite repeated previous inspections, Alvares highlighted the lack of solutions to this persisting issue, emphasising the need for a multi-departmental approach to address the problem.
Alvares commented on the issue, stating, “The officers sent here are juniors, and despite the requirement for the health department’s presence, they were absent due to the lack of specific directions in the HC order. The Pollution Control Board needs to acknowledge the multi-departmental nature of this problem and the evident lack of coordination between them. With the Board set to present a report within seven days, the court will review the matter on January 17.”
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The concerns raised extend beyond environmental damage, as farmers fear the contamination of water impacting their crops. James Gomes, a local farmer, expressed frustration, stating, “It’s the same story every year. Water, promised to be viable for drinking and bathing, is now wasted. Contaminated water seeps into the fields, affecting our crops.” Gomes also highlighted the adverse impact of plastic waste on machinery, urging authorities to desilt the water to prevent further damage. They should desilt the water as the plastic enters the machinery and damages it,” said Gomes.
Highlighting the urgent need for intervention, Gomes urged the local MLA to address the issue.
Responding to these concerns, officials from the Goa Pollution Control Board affirmed their intent to write to relevant authorities and departments to take appropriate action in resolving the situation.
