VASCO: Baina beach has literary become a waste dumping ground as a day after Herald expose on Gammon India Pvt Ltd openly letting out of piling slurry on Baina beach, it was also seen that the beach has been also facing another pollution due to the release of untreated sewage.
According to the locals, some years ago, this crescent shaped beach was accorded the status of India’s first beach, which provides an underwater sea walk facility. They said that the beach also became more popular now because of new ‘Airport Ferry terminal’. However, due to release of untreated sewage at various places; this beautiful beach is slowing turning into an eyesore.
“Our beach is slowing losing its sheen, as a drain has been releasing various types of waste including sewage right on the beach and this has been going on from northern to southern end of the beach. Though the state Tourism Department has been spending crores of rupees as part of beautification plans, the local authorities have failed to stop the sewage menace here,” said Navil Mayenkar, a Vasco resident.
Such a menace is creating huge problems for the local fishermen but even they are helpless. Some said, “Under CRZ notification of 2011, the drains should be connected to the sewage treatment plants and should not be allowed to release sewage into the sea or beaches. However at Baina beach, one can see clear violation of CRZ norms.
Vasco-based civil engineer and environmental activists Bharat Kamat said, “We saw how GCZMA was quick enough to act against the structures on the Baina beach terming them as illegal by violating CRZ norms, but when it comes to protecting the environment why does the same department turn a blind eye. GCZMA should initiate action against the culprits who are releasing sewage into the sea and safeguard the environment as many traditional fishermen from the area carry out fishing in this polluted sea water”.
Another environmentalist Advocate Savio J F Correia said, “Sewage and waste containing toxic chemical admixtures which can cause severe damage to the environment, have be carelessly released in coastal environment. Such menace should be stopped immediately by the authorities concerned”.
