PANJIM: A detailed scientific study on the presence of pesticides in soil and water bodies along the coastal belt of Calangute-Candolim is being conducted by Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), in collaboration with The Energy and Research Institute (TERI). TERI is currently identifying the various pesticides and pest control chemicals used in Goa.
The nine-month long study will ascertain if there are pesticide pollutant hotspots in the rivers, ground water and other sources of water bodies along the beach belt. The study is being undertaken as the hotel industry in the belt uses high amount of pest control for housekeeping.
GSPCB Chairman Jose Manuel Noronha told Herald that the study is being conducted to establish seasonal pesticide trend in soil and water along Calangute-Baga-Candolim as the hotel industry also uses pesticides that get washed away into the ground and water. “So far we have not found any pest control content in the water. We have to see in the soil,” he said.
Recently, the Board directed pest control agencies to submit details of pesticides they use and their suppliers. “This will give us a clear picture on the kind of pest control chemicals used by the hospitality sector along the coastal belts,” Noronha said.
The Chairman said that if the water bodies or soil is found with pest control content then, a similar study would be undertaken along other coastal areas.
Noronha said the board will request the Agriculture department to submit a list of pesticides used in fields and to provide details of agricultural areas. He said there is a limit on usage of various pesticides as overuse creates an adverse effect on the food chain.
The presence of pesticides in soil not only affects the soil’s health but acts as source of contamination to the succeeding crop and in turn affects the entire food chain.
