Health department to probe river pollution

PANAJI: Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has referred a complaint regarding the unauthorized extension of sewage and waste water pipes by some Penha da Franca residents through a newly-constructed retaining wall into the River Mandovi to the health department.

Board officials inspected the site recently and referred the matter to the primary health centre, Aldona for action.

Water resources department (WRD) has built a retaining wall along the river but within a few days, a few residents allegedly extended pipes from their residences into the river. The wall will extend from Malim to Virlosa, but after the first phase of the 1.28 crore project, the work has come to a halt due to some controversy.

Some residents blamed the WRD for allowing the pollution of the river, but officials claimed the pipes had been fitted through the wall after the work was done.

"The board could have initiated action, as the release of sewage is polluting the River Mandovi," Agnelo Pereira of the Penha da Franca citizens forum (PFCF) said. A board official said that the health department can initiate action at its level.

After studies, high counts of coliform bacteria, much beyond the permissible level, have been found in the state's biggest river.