CPCB report highlights shortfalls in Goa pollution monitoring infra

Abdul Wahab Khan

Panaji

An assessment by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has identified gaps in infrastructure and monitoring capacity within the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).

The assessment was prepared after the NGT took suo motu notice in O.A. No. 693 of 2023 on vacancies and lack of accredited laboratories in state boards, and directed states to disclose gaps in their analytical capabilities under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.

The report stated that Goa analyses 62 of 67 required water and wastewater parameters and is categorised as “mostly covered”. In solid waste monitoring, Goa handles 8 of 15 parameters, while for air, noise and emissions it monitors 21 of 28 parameters.

Additionally, Goa has 36 of the 46 required instruments for processing samples, placing it in the “partially available” category. It said the state has 9 of 11 instruments for water and hazardous waste sampling, 13 of 22 for air and emissions, and 13 of 26 analytical instruments.

The NGT categorised Goa’s facilities as “satisfactory”, though below the “adequate” category assigned to several states.

The report said Goa’s laboratory recorded a 100 per cent success rate in Proficiency Testing for 2024 and a 77.78 per cent success rate in the 36th Analytical Quality
Control exercise.

It said 130 of 159 sanctioned posts in the GSPCB are filled, leaving an 18.24 per cent vacancy rate. The state has indicated a six-month timeline to fill posts under direct recruitment.

The report said Goa has one laboratory established under the Water Act and Air Act, but it has not been notified in the Official Gazette.

It said recognition of the laboratory as an environmental laboratory under the Environment (Protection) Act is under process.