Club Mahindra has denied allegations that its resort in Assonora is discharging untreated wastewater or sewage into the Par River in Goa’s Bardez district, calling the claims “factually incorrect” and without basis.
The clarification comes after the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) took cognisance of complaints regarding the alleged pollution of the Par River and issued notices to officials and the resort management (O Heraldo reported on the matter on August 11).
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The complaints were reportedly raised by local residents who expressed concern over the alleged contamination of the river and its possible impact on the water sources serving areas of Bardez taluka. The residents’ concerns have brought the issue of water quality and environmental safety into focus.
As reported earlier, the GHRC issued notices to the Chief Executive Engineer of the Department of Drinking Water, the Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), and the management of Club Mahindra Resort in Assonora, seeking their responses to the allegations.
The respondents have been directed to submit their replies by August 26, 2026.
Club Mahindra Categorically Denies Allegations
In its clarification, Club Mahindra said the allegations against its Assonora resort were based on incorrect complaints and strongly rejected any suggestion that the property was releasing untreated sewage or wastewater into the Par River.
“We are aware of certain media reports mentioning Club Mahindra in a matter relating to pollution of the Par River in Bardez district, Goa. We categorically deny all allegations therein that our resort in Assonora discharges untreated wastewater or sewage into the Par River. These allegations are factually incorrect and have no basis.
Based on certain incorrect complaints, a sanitary inspection was conducted at our Assonora resort by the Directorate of Health Services, Govt of Goa. The authorities concluded that no such issues were observed during the inspection. The inspection report concludes that we have a functioning sewage treatment plant at the resort, that no direct release of waste was observed from our resort and there is no sanitary issue as of date with our resort.
The resort follows established protocols for the treatment, handling and disposal of wastewater and sewage, in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulatory requirements, supported by documented records. We request stakeholders to rely on verified information and refrain from circulating unsubstantiated claims that may adversely affect the reputation of Club Mahindra. We remain committed to environmental responsibility and transparency and will engage constructively with the relevant authorities on any concerns regarding the resort’s operations,” a company spokesperson said.
Company Points to Sanitary Inspection
Club Mahindra said the allegations were followed by a sanitary inspection at its Assonora property by the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa.
According to the company, the inspection did not find the issues alleged in the complaints. It said the inspection report recorded that the resort has a functioning sewage treatment plant and that no direct discharge of waste from the property was observed.
The company further said the inspection found no sanitary issue with the resort as of the date of the inspection.
The clarification comes as the matter remains before the GHRC, which has sought responses from the concerned government departments as well as the resort management.
Resort Says It Follows Environmental Protocols
Club Mahindra also maintained that the resort follows established procedures for the treatment, handling and disposal of wastewater and sewage.
The company said these procedures are implemented in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulatory requirements and are supported by documented records.
The company has urged stakeholders to rely on verified information while assessing the allegations and has objected to what it described as the circulation of unsubstantiated claims that could affect its reputation.
GHRC Proceedings Await Responses
The GHRC’s notices have brought the allegations under an official review, with the concerned authorities and resort management expected to respond to the commission.
The complaints have raised concerns over the possible impact of pollution on the Par River and water sources in the surrounding region. The responses sought by the commission are expected to provide further details on the allegations, inspections and environmental safeguards at the resort.
Club Mahindra, meanwhile, has reiterated that it is committed to environmental responsibility and transparency and said it would cooperate with the relevant authorities.
The company said it would “engage constructively” with authorities on any concerns relating to the resort’s operations.
