PANAJI: Goa Congress president Girish Chodankar has demanded accountability from the BJP government over sewage pollution in the Mandovi estuary, citing a Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) report that found faecal coliform levels nine times above permissible limits at all 22 sampling points during August’s monsoon sampling.
Chodankar questioned the government’s sewage management system and demanded transparency on the treatment and disposal of wastewater from casinos and hotels. He also sought clarification on the handling of casino wastewater transported to the Patto Sewage Treatment Plant.
Referring to water-quality findings around casino locations and pollution concerns at Mala Lake and St. Inez Creek, Chodankar called for stronger monitoring and preventive measures. He also raised questions about the capacity and functioning of the Tonca Sewage Treatment Plant, citing reports of at least 600 sewage tankers arriving daily from the hotel industry.
The Congress leader demanded an independent inspection of sewage treatment facilities, identification of pollution sources, accountability of the departments concerned and publication of a time-bound action plan to address contamination in Goa’s waterways.
He urged the government to release regular water-quality reports and disclose the measures being taken to ensure proper sewage collection, treatment and disposal.
