Panaji: A recent report by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has revealed that faecal coliform contamination levels in the Mandovi River have consistently exceeded prescribed limits at multiple monitoring locations over the past decade, raising concerns about the river’s water quality.
According to the assessment, contamination levels remained above 80 per cent in most years and reached a high of 95.83 per cent during 2025-26 across eight monitoring stations along the river.
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The report noted that pollution levels were generally higher during the monsoon season, when increased runoff and inflow from various sources contribute to deteriorating water quality.
Among the possible causes identified were the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage, contamination from tributaries, and leakages from septic tanks. These factors have been cited as major contributors to the continued presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the river.
The findings form part of the GSPCB’s ongoing efforts to monitor the environmental health and water quality of the Mandovi River, one of Goa’s most important water bodies. The report underscores the need for sustained measures to address pollution sources and improve river water quality across the state.
