Colva creek used as outlet to discharge pollutants: GPCB

Colva creek used as outlet to discharge pollutants: GPCB
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, APRIL 28
It’s official and should hopefully come as an eye opener to the authorities to work out a solution to the hazard posed to the environment and local residents.
Confirming that 20-25 long trench was laid to connect the Colva creek waters to the Arabian Sea, the Goa Pollution Control Board has observed that garbage, plastic and raw sewage (human excreta) is discharged into the Handi/Creek.
The GPCB team which inspected the trench and the creek has observed that raw sewage is rampantly discharged into the creek. Pointing out that foul smell is being emitted from the creek, the team observed that underground pipes from the nearby restaurants were seen discharging the raw sewage into the Handi/Creek.
What’s worse was the fact that when the team enquired with one of the restaurant, the owner agreed that they are discharging the raw sewage into the creek.
The team that inspected the Sulabh toilet located around 500 meters away from the creek has observed that the septic tank was full, chambers were partly open and no ventilation pipe was provided. The team further found leakages from the septic tank and spread in the surrounding area, adding that foul smell enveloped the entire area due to mal-functioning of the septic tank.
Incidentally, the team came across storm water drain covered with RCC slab passing adjacent to the septic tank of the sulabh toilet, adding that gaddas were being constructed on the storm water drain.
The team further observed that garbage, plastic and glass waste was seen dumped on the beach.
Commenting on the observations made by the GPCB team, social activist and Convenor of Colva Civic and Consumer Forum Judith Almeida hoped the observations made by the GPCB team should open the eyes of the concerned authorities. “The fact that the team has found raw sewage in the creek only goes to show that restaurants are discharging their sewage and waste waters in the creek”, she said, while seeking the intervention of Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat to the worsening situation.
Meanwhile, inspection of a 156-room hotel at Colva beach by the GPCB team has revealed that the STP was not functioning as the waste water was found stagnated in the collection and filtration tanks. “Foul smell was emitting in the area. The sludge bed does not seem to be in use, as there was only sand, some waste machinery parts and empty plastic water bottles present inside”, the GPCB team observed.
During inspection, the team found that 65 rooms were being occupied, but no information was forthcoming regarding the waste treatment.