MARGAO: The Colva Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) has strongly condemned the recent show-cause notice issued by the Goa Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), criticising its misdirection towards the contractor responsible for sewage discharge into Colva Creek, instead of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), the entity that awarded the contract for managing the toilet block. Expressing dismay over the misdirected notice, Judith Almeida of CCCF emphasised the need for improved accountability in addressing environmental issues.
CCCF, which received a copy of GSPCB’s show-cause notice due to its involvement as a petitioner in a broader issue concerning High Court (HC) directives on borewells and septic tanks within the No Development Zone (NDZ) of Colva and Seraulim beaches, highlighted a fundamental flaw in the notice’s recipient address.
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“This is absurd. GTDC owns the toilet, yet the notice is addressed to M/s Public Toilet. Who will take responsibility now? It’s unbelievable. GTDC is the sole entity accountable, as the toilet contractor is answerable to GTDC, who contracted them,” said Almeida.
It may be recalled that after the locals and Colva panchayat had complained about the sewage discharge into the creek from the toilet block, GSPCB had directed the contractor to ensure continuous operation of the toilet’s sewage treatment plant (STP) during operating hours and to meet wastewater treatment standards. The contractor was further warned against releasing untreated sewage, with potential legal consequences under the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle, and asked to submit a compliance report within 15 days.
Despite inspection findings revealing ongoing discharge, the contractor allegedly failed to comply, with the STP observed non-operational during the day. GSPCB also confirmed the sewage discharge and resultant environmental pollution.
