Goa's water quality continues to be a concern, with faecal contamination present in its sea and river waters. However, Sanjeev Joglekar, Acting Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), emphasizes the need to assess pollution levels using long-term data rather than isolated incidents. He notes that faecal coliform has been detected in Goan waters for years, and the crucial question is whether these levels are increasing or decreasing over time.
To offer a clearer picture, the GSPCB is preparing its State Environment Report. This report will provide a detailed analysis of environmental indicators, including faecal coliform, over the past seven years since 2018. Preliminary data suggest that some areas might have seen a decline in pollution compared to previous years. Joglekar advocates for including these historical trends in the Board’s annual reports to help the public better understand the direction of environmental change in Goa.
Despite the focus on long-term trends, recent GSPCB findings highlight persistent pollution at several of Goa’s renowned beaches and rivers. Tests conducted from March 2024 to March 2025 revealed faecal coliform counts ranging from 500 to 1100 MPN per 100 ml. This significantly exceeds the Central Pollution Control Board’s safe limit of 100 MPN/100 ml for recreational waters.
Popular beaches such as Miramar, Calangute, Morjim, and Baga, along with rivers like the Mandovi and Zuari, have been deemed unsuitable for bathing and fishing due to high contamination. The primary contributors to this pollution are untreated sewage, plastic waste, and rapid urban development.
Joglekar also pointed out that improvements in water quality are often overlooked. He underscores the importance of raising public awareness about both the progress made and the ongoing issues. The forthcoming State Environment Report is expected to offer vital insights, which will guide future pollution control efforts and highlight both achievements and challenges in Goa’s environmental landscape.