MAPUSA
Despite repeated complaints about untreated sewage flowing through open drains in the coastal belt, authorities continue to face criticism for not taking firm action against erring commercial establishments in the Calangute“Baga area.
In a recent case, Calangute resident Antonio De Souza filed a complaint with the Health Department against a hotel in Gaura Vaddo for allegedly releasing sewage into an open drain, causing serious nuisance to nearby residents.
Following the complaint, officials from the Candolim Primary Health Centre (PHC) inspected the area near Hotel Rivasa. They found sewage overflowing into the drain, along with stagnant water at the site.
The PHC report stated that the situation amounts to a nuisance under the Goa Public Health Act, 1985 and Rules, 1987.
Health Officer Dr Roshan Nazareth issued a notice directing the hotel management to remove the nuisance within three days by taking corrective measures and to submit a compliance report to the
department.
The notice also warned that failure to comply would amount to a cognisable offence under Section 40(6) of the Act.
Complainant Antonio De Souza said he lives just a few metres from the hotel and is directly affected by the sewage discharge.
“Two years ago, I suffered from dengue and had to be hospitalised. Even now, the hotel continues to violate rules without any fear,” he alleged.
Residents in the coastal belt say sewage discharge into open drains is common in the Calangute“Baga stretch and continues to pose serious health and environmental risks.
Activists and locals have repeatedly documented such incidents through videos and complaints, alleging that authorities rarely take action unless residents themselves step in.
Locals have also raised concerns that stagnant sewage water not only causes foul smells and inconvenience but also increases the risk of mosquito-borne diseases and other public health hazards in densely populated tourist areas.
