MARGAO: Authorities in the state have come under criticism for delays in ensuring establishments in Colva get their sewage connections to the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and for the functioning of the plant itself.
Last month, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) directed 43 hotels and establishments to connect to the Colva STP. Despite assurances from the Sewage Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (SIDCGL) regarding the plant’s readiness, there have been delays in receiving sewage. Sources have cited the need for load enhancement at the Colva STP before accepting sewage. This has led citizens and environmentalists to question the oversight of the authorities.
On the other hand, hoteliers have expressed readiness for sewage connections, disputing perceptions created by the GSPCB that they are resisting completing this task. However, concerns persist over the timeline for the Colva STP’s functioning.
Judith Almeida, a petitioner in the High Court advocating for expediting the Colva STP’s functioning, criticized the authorities for their lack of seriousness. Almeida questioned various aspects of the project, including the absence of a project report prior to execution, inadequate planning, and reliance on ad hoc solutions instead of a structured approach.
Almeida raised pertinent questions regarding the planning process, acquisition of land for pumping stations, integration of electricity department works, utilization of solar energy, and audit reports ensuring the quality of work. She highlighted the reactive nature of authorities, who only acted upon issues being raised rather than proactively addressing them. She also pointed out that GSPCB’s issuance of notices to hotels and restaurants came only after public scrutiny, which exemplifies the reactive approach of the authorities.
Almeida emphasized the continuous requests for extensions, attributing them to the lack of proper project planning and a roadmap.Meanwhile, the GSPCB has taken action against a Colva-based resort for violating sewage discharge regulations, invoking the Polluter Pays principle. GSPCB has imposed a hefty penalty of Rs 63 lakh, calculated by an in-house committee, for non-compliance with directives under the Water and Air Acts. The resort owner has been issued a show cause notice and given time to respond to the charges. Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation may lead to stringent legal action under relevant environmental laws. Additionally, the GSPCB has ordered the resort to cease operations until rectifying its sewage treatment plant, following a complaint by CCCF regarding pollution in Colva creek.
