GSPCB told to assess money that is to be recovered
the goan I network
PANAJI
The National Green Tribunal has asked the Goa State Pollution Control Board to make a list of establishments that are discharging raw sewage into the River Mandovi and the amount of compensation that is to be recovered from them.
Hearing a petition filed by activist Kashinath Shetye, the court noted that despite the petition being filed back in 2014 and several directions being issued, there was no noticeable improvement in the quality of water in the River Mandovi and ordered the GSPCB to draw up a list of defaulters from whom monies are to be recovered.
“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 NGT Western Bench has said.
According to a report filed by the GSPCB before the NGT which was back in November 2017, problem areas have been identified being Porvorim, Reis-Magos, Britona, Nerul, Candolim and Mayem and to the South side are Teleigao, Se Old Goa, Goltim-Divar, Corlim and Carambolim. Establishments in these villages will be under the scanner.
The NGT was alarmed after petitioner Kashinath Shetye produced inspection reports compiled by the GSPCB showing fecal coliform going up to lakhs as against the prescribed norms of 100 MPN (most probable number).
The NGT also directed that the Goa Chief Secretary who is to be present at the hearing regarding the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules on April 10, also be prepared to answer questions on the progress of action to be taken to control pollution of the river stretches.
The Central Pollution Control Board has categorised 351
river stretches as the polluted river stretches based on monitoring of data.
Based on the data the NGT had directed the constitution of River Rejuvenation Committees (RRCs) in all the States with a view to prepare action plans to bring the water quality to be fit at least for bathing (i.e. BOD <3 mg/L and FC<500 MPN/ 100 ml) within six months.
The GSPCB told the NGT that Mandovi river being one of the 351 river stretches, the Goa RRC has already furnished its action plan in respect of the River Mandovi to the Central Pollution Control Board.
