Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to submit an interim report on the water quality of the River Mandovi within two weeks, while continuing its monitoring of pollution concerns in the river stretch near offshore casinos.
The direction was issued during the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation that was initially taken up following concerns over pollution in Mala Lake and was later expanded to include the Mandovi river stretch.
The Court had earlier raised concerns over high levels of faecal coliform bacteria detected in parts of the Mandovi, especially in areas where offshore casinos operate. The Bench observed that the issue required immediate attention due to the continuing threat of water pollution.
Following the earlier observations, the Court had sought a response from the GSPCB along with details of action taken to address the issue.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Hiten Venegavkar directed the GSPCB to place an interim water quality assessment report on record within two weeks and posted the matter for further hearing.
The Court also reviewed the steps taken by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) against houses allegedly discharging sewage into Mala Lake.
The CCP informed the Court that 32 out of 38 identified houses had already obtained sewerage connections, while two others had applied and were completing the formalities. The remaining four properties involved documentation-related issues or non-cooperation from occupants.
Taking note of the submissions, the Court directed notices to be issued to the concerned property owners.
Earlier this month, the High Court had instructed the GSPCB to conduct fresh water quality tests of Mala Lake after dead fish were found in the waterbody.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the Board informed the Court that water quality on the eastern and western sides of Mala Lake remained below normal standards and that monitoring of the situation was continuing.
