Team Herald
MARGAO: Despite repeated demands to address the ongoing pollution, Colva Creek at the iconic Colva Beach remains choked with black sludge, sewage, and garbage, raising serious concerns among locals and tourists.
This unsightly pollution is tarnishing the beauty of the world-famous beach, while also posing a significant health hazard to locals and tourists.
Frustrated residents have blamed the Tourism Department and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for failing to act despite consistent appeals from both the public and local MLA Venzy Viegas for regular cleaning of the creek.
Locals have once again urged the Water Resources Department (WRD) to implement at least short-term solutions to mitigate the pollution until a permanent fix can be found.
Local resident and environmental activist Judith Almeida, convenor of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum, shared her frustration with O Heraldo, calling the sight of the polluted creek “shocking.” She remarked, “There is so much garbage in the creek. In the past, we suggested installing a net to prevent people from dumping trash into it, but that hasn’t happened yet.”
Almeida also criticised the authorities for focusing on infrastructure development instead of tackling the ongoing environmental issues. She pointed out that despite multiple show-cause notices issued by the GSPCB; no substantial action has been taken.
“The creek is completely polluted, and those responsible seem indifferent to their duties,” she said.
Simao Rodrigues, another resident of Colva, expressed his disappointment with the authorities' handling of the situation.
“We have lost the beauty of Colva Beach. The authorities are failing to clean the creek regularly, even though they are aware of the pollution,” he said. Rodrigues added that local businesses are unfairly blamed for the contamination.
Local MLA Venzy Viegas has also been vocal in his criticism of the government, having raised the issue several times in the Legislative Assembly. Despite his efforts, the government’s response has been lacklustre, and the problem continues to worsen.
Shift garbage collection point away from beach, locals urge Tourism Dept
Team Herald
MARGAO: The garbage collection site near Colva Beach has become a sore point for residents and tourists alike, with locals now demanding its immediate relocation to preserve the area’s natural beauty and improve waste management.
Locals say the lack of proper management has led to severe air pollution and an increasingly unpleasant environment, particularly around the popular beach.
Tourists and locals have reported that the waste, left at the site for long hours before transportation, emits a strong stench, making the area unbearable to even walk past. A recent inspection revealed that both dry and wet waste are dumped together before being transported to the treatment plant.
According to the site supervisor, the waste collected from shacks and other establishments is first brought to this location before being segregated at the plant. However, residents argue that the system is inefficient and contributes to environmental degradation. Colva Sarpanch Suzie Fernandes emphasised the need for a new collection site. She clarified that while the Tourism Department regularly collects waste from the shacks, the current collection site was not approved by the Panchayat. She pointed out that the site falls under the jurisdiction of the Tourism Department, making them responsible for addressing the issue.