Panaji: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said that a Goa State Pollution Control Board water quality study showed high organic and sewage pollution in creeks, beaches and rivers, rendering them unfit for bathing and fishing, even as Aldona Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira said there were no proper checks on waste disposal by casinos operating in the Mandovi river.
Ferreira referred to media reports and complaints of waste being dumped in the river, urging the government to act. He also questioned the Captain of Ports’ regulatory framework, warning that without control over vessel entry and passenger monitoring, both revenue collection and passenger safety would be at risk.
Environmental protection and port regulation dominated Assembly discussions on Friday, with MLAs citing widespread pollution and administrative lapses affecting Goa’s coastal ecosystem.
The need to notify coastal creeks for pollution protection was stressed by AAP Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, who also criticised the Goa State Biodiversity Board for having no plans for sand dune restoration. He said khazan land management and the spread of mangroves in fields required central intervention.
The issue of noise pollution in the Baga, Calangute, Ashvem and Arambol belt was also raised by Alemao, who demanded restrictions on party noise after 10 pm.
On infrastructure, proposals ranged from reviving mini ports, as suggested by Calangute BJP MLA Michael Lobo, to attending to the historic Kambharwada dock, a demand from Curchorem BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral. Allegations of illegal construction by a starred resort in Bambolim, which reportedly damaged traditional pathways and marine life, were made by St Andre RGP MLA Viresh Borkar.
Staff shortages in the Environmental Department were flagged by Fatorda GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai, who said vacancies among deputy directors, assistant directors, surveyors, and environment officers
meant GIS mapping would not be effective in detecting pollution.
Mormugao BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar reported a nearly 50 per cent reduction in coal pollution, which he attributed to dome structures built by JSW and Adani.
