Team Herald
MARGAO: Continuing its crackdown on environmental violations, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has directed the South Goa District Magistrate to seal several establishments, primarily restaurants in Margao for releasing wastewater into the drains.
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According to Additional Collector-I Srinet Kothwale, a total of nearly 46 establishments have been issued closure orders.
“The sealing process commenced on Monday, and by the evening, around 10 establishments were sealed. Owners have been instructed to shut their businesses voluntarily or face further action,” Kothwale said.
The action comes after an inspection by the GSPCB, which found that numerous hotels and restaurants in Margao, discharging waste and kitchen water into
stormwater drains.
In addition to this, many of the establishments were operating without the necessary consent to operate from the Board, in clear violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
During the inspection, it was also noted that these businesses were engaging in commercial activities—such as cafes and hotels—without obtaining the required approvals from the GSPCB. The release of domestic wastewater into stormwater drains was another key violation highlighted by the team.
The GSPCB issued show-cause notices, pointing out that operating these units without valid consent from the Board violates key provisions of both the Water and Air Acts. The notice further instructed the establishments to cease operations until further orders.
Restaurants sealed on Monday were found to be discharging kitchen wastewater into a stormwater drain and operating without the mandatory consent. The Margao Municipal Council had earlier identified over 200 establishments in the town conducting business without properly connecting their wastewater and sewage to the underground sewerage network.
This move underscores the authorities’ commitment to enforce environmental regulations and ensure that businesses comply with the necessary standards to
prevent pollution.
Respondents seek more time to file replies on River
Sal pollution
MARGAO: Respondents, including the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), sought additional time to file their affidavits during the hearing on the River Sal pollution issue on Monday, as the High Court adjourned the matter to January 21.
According to sources, the respondents claimed to have compiled much of the required information and needed more time to address certain gaps before submitting their affidavits.
Professor Antonio Alvares, the petitioner, who filed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), emphasised the urgency of addressing the systemic failures contributing to the river’s pollution.
