Abdul Wahab Khan
Panaji
In the past five years, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has addressed 1,670 environmental complaints concerning violations of the Air and Water Act by various units.
The complaints ranged from open garbage burning, sewage discharge into rivers, illegal hill cuttings, and noise pollution to unauthorised industrial operations.
There were 200 complaints related to noise pollution, often involving loud music from establishments in residential areas and the operation of machinery causing disturbances, prompting the board to coordinate with local authorities and enforce action plans.
Additionally, 128 complaints were registered from 2019 till June 2024 concerning the dumping and burning of waste, highlighting issues in areas like Arambol, Ashvem, Querim and Taleigao village
panchayats.
There were 10 complaints received against material recovery facilities which include an array of complaints from objection to setting up such facility in Navelim, Ramtolem, Assonora, Aldona to plastic burning and unattended bailed garbage at an MRF site in Ponda and Santa Cruz, respectively.
One case involved the illegal burning of plastic at the MRF site at Curti Khandepar panchayat, where fines were imposed for both waste burning and the improper discharge of expired soft drinks.
Additionally, a significant complaint was made about the pollution of a perennial freshwater stream at Ponda, leading to joint inspections and subsequent closure directions for units operating without valid consent.
Complaints about air and water pollution due to dust, burning waste and discharge of effluents from industrial activities were significant, with 36 cases reported. The Illegal shed erected and filling of agricultural land, particularly involving chemical spraying at St Cruz Khazan land, also prompted numerous complaints, totaling 24.
Illegal construction and encroachments contributed to 135 complaints, reflecting ongoing concerns about unauthorized developments in NDZ areas and natural fields. Water pollution, including untreated sewage discharge into water bodies, was the subject of 145 complaints which include five complaints regarding discharge of waste /sewage in the fields by tanker operators in Merces, Loutolim, Nagoa, Reis Magos and at premises of solid waste treatment plant in Saligao.
Fines were often imposed on violators, such as the fine levied on the local body for the River Sal’s contamination.
In numerous instances, the GSPCB forwarded cases to relevant local bodies or departments for further action, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to address such violations effectively.
The GSPCB received a substantial number of complaints, with the nature of these complaints underscoring the diverse challenges faced in maintaining environmental standards in Goa.
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