TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PONDA:
The team, comprising Sanjay Kankonkar (scientific assistant), Ashely Pereira (engineering assistant) and Rema Kanlekar (junior laboratory assistant), said a report on the water samples would be available after 15 days.
Keri Sarpanch Rohidas Gawde and ward Panch Ashviny Gawde were also present.
It may be recalled that in November, residents of Arla ward had complained to the Ponda Community Health Centre that the lake was polluted and had requested authorities to test the water.
Medical Officer Dr Nutan Dev, accordingly, inspected the lake and collected water samples, which was tested at the Health Department laboratory Panjim. It was found that the water was not fit for human consumption. Dr Dev later requested the GSPCB to act in the matter.
Though the test results at Health Department lab proved that water was fit for washing clothes and irrigation purpose, locals complained that black peeper plantation and gero/panvel plantation (chewing leaves) were affected by the water.
When contacted, Sarpanch Rohidas said the matter was discussed at the panchayat meeting and the spice plantation existing at the side of lake was inspected by health authorities.
Dr Dev admitted having inspected the spice plantation and the restaurant and it was found that it possessed necessary permissions.
