MARGAO: The Colva panchayat sarpanch, Ms Angela Borges on Monday disclosed to ‘The Navhind Times’ that the panchayat will be taking stern action against those business establishments involved in polluting the Colva creek identified by the Goa Pollution Control Board.

In this regard, she said the panchayat during its meeting held on Monday has resolved to go to the extent of cutting water and electricity connections in case these establishments which will be served notices do not comply with the directives of the panchayat.
Ms Borges disclosed that it has been the experience of the panchayat in the past that some of the business establishments had not been following the panchayat directives, adding that keeping this in view, the panchayat will write to the Health department to issue orders to disconnect water and electricity connections of these commercial establishments which have been responsible for discharging sewage into the creek, paddy fields and storm drains.
The sarpanch further informed that the panchayat has also resolved to fill the gaps created by some business establishments at the creek with cement and concrete, adding that these gaps were used by the business establishments to discharge sewage into the creek.
She also disclosed that the panchayat will seek additional 15 days time to comply with the directives of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), adding that the GSPCB had given 15 days time for the panchayat to act in the matter.
She said that some more time is needed to follow all the procedures to act against these establishments and others identified by the GSPCB which are involved in causing health hazards in Colva and its vicinity, adding that it is for this reason that 15 days additional time has been sought from the GSPCB so that the panchayat follows the procedures in the matter properly.
The sarpanch also disclosed that the panchayat has written a letter to the Water Resources department to de-silt the Colva creek as early as possible to help ease out the pollution created in the creek.
Panchayat sources also disclosed that some government departments have been given recommendations by the GSPCB such as the Tourism department and the PWD department, adding that the Tourism department has been asked to clear the solid waste dumped in the Tourism department’s property near a well-known hotel.
The Public Works department has been recommended by the GSPCB to consider a sewerage scheme to see that proper treatment of sewage is done.
The sarpanch also informed ‘The Navhind Times’ that the hotels and business establishments will be directed to see that they have their own soak pits etc in order, failing which stern action like the disconnection of water and electricity will be initiated.
She said that the secretary of the panchayat, Mr Alladin Maniyar has been asked to follow all the procedures properly, adding that notices to the concerned erring hotels and business establishments will be sent within a day or two from Monday.
It was informed by the Colva panchayat sources that several times the panchayat had warned these establishments to comply with the directives of the panchayat, adding that since these business establishments did not pay heed to the warning, the matter has come to this present state leading to fears of health problems in the creek area due to the pollution.
It was also informed that the analysis of water samples from Colva creek has indicated that the levels of ‘Dissolved Oxygen’ are much below the permissible limits, adding that the water has turned greenish in colour emitting an offensive smell.
It was also informed that the GSPCB authorities have found a thick layer of scum floating on the surface of the water in the Colva creek.
It was informed that a combined effort of several government agencies is needed to clear the mess, adding that all the departments should work hard and act tough against those involved in creating this health hazard at Colva.