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.
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Speaking to Herald, GSPCB chairman Jose Manuel Noronha said
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.
