PANJIM: Stating that the polluters of River Mandovi are liable to pay compensation for the damage caused, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to undertake the assessment of the amount of compensation to be recovered and the persons from whom such recovery is to be effected.
NGT Principal Bench, while disposing off the petition filed by activist Kashinath Shetye and others, asked GSPCB to submit a detailed report on compensation by April 8.
“Since for the past polluting activities, the polluters are liable to pay compensation for the damage to the environment, apart from being proceeded against under the provision of the Water Act by the GSPCB, we direct GSPCB to jointly make an assessment of the amount of compensation to be recovered and the persons from whom such recovery is to be effected,” the order passed on February 20, stated.
Pointing to the inspection report filed by GSPCB in November 2017, NGT noted that the problem areas have been identified being Porvorim, Reis-Magos, Britona, Nerul, Candolim and Mayem and to the South side are Taleigao, Se Old Goa, Goltim-Divar, Corlim and Carambolim.
“The report states that notices under Section 40 of Goa Public Health Act, 1985, were issued to the commercial establishments,” it noted.
GSPCB further said that several recommendations have been made and action plan proposes that water treatment devices be set up apart from other measures.
River Mandovi is amongst those 351 polluted river stretches identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). GSPCB informed the Tribunal that an action plan with regards to the river has been submitted to CPCB.
NGT has raised serious concern about the latest inspection report compiled by GSPCB, submitted by the applicant, showing fecal
coliform going up to lakhs as against the prescribed norms of 100 MPN.
The Tribunal has also directed the Chief Secretaries of the States, including Goa, to remain present before them with the progress report in the matter of compliance of Solid Waste Management Rules and progress on action to be taken to control pollution of the river stretches.
