NT Reporter
Margao
The Cavelossim village panchayat on Tuesday held a meeting with representatives of hotels and the fishing industry as part of efforts
to curb pollution and rejuvenate the River Sal. The meeting focused on upgrading sewage treatment systems in hotels and preventing oil discharge from fishing jetties.
Chief engineers and maintenance managers of starred hotels, along with private jetty operators, were called for the meeting, where concerns were raised and guidelines issued.
Sarpanch Dixon Vaz said the River Sal flows through several areas, including Verna, Margao, Fatorda, Navelim, Chinchinim, Assolna and Cavelossim, before meeting the sea, and stressed that collective responsibility was essential. He called on municipalities, MLAs and other panchayats to take initiatives to improve the river’s condition within the next two years, making it suitable for tourism and the fishing industry.
Vaz said reports indicate rising pollution levels in the river and adjoining Arabian Sea, posing a threat to both tourism and the local fishing community. He said hotels and jetty operators were instructed not to discharge any waste into the river and to closely monitor activities along the banks. He added that stakeholders have assured compliance and will submit responses to the panchayat.
Among the key directives was the need to ensure sewage treatment plants (STPs) are fully operational and meet current standards. Vaz said treated water should be reused for gardening and highlighted concerns over poorly maintained soak pits and septic tanks, which must be upgraded in line with increased capacity of hotel infrastructure.
He also stressed proper disposal of dry sludge and wet waste through authorised agencies, and cautioned jetty operators against oil leaks and spray painting near the river.
The Goa State Pollution Control Board will inspect the STPs to verify compliance, with establishments given time to undertake necessary rectifications before inspections.
