Replying to a joint starred question led by MLA Carlos Ferreira, the minister further said that the government is also examining a proposal to levy fines on departments such as the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Drinking Water Department for discharging untreated wastewater into rivers and other water bodies. The model is currently adopted in Maharashtra.
Ferreira, during the discussion, cited official studies pointing out that 11 major rivers and 75 water bodies in Goa are polluted.
“We have decided that every WRD division will have a sub-division dedicated exclusively to monitoring the quality of water in nullahs and rivers. Even if we can address 50-70 per cent of the issue, it will be helpful,” Shirodkar said.
To strengthen monitoring, the government also plans to establish two dedicated technical laboratories under the WRD for water testing -- one each in North and South Goa. “Our technical laboratory is currently located in the WRD head office. It will now also be located in both North and South Goa for testing water quality,” Shirodkar added.
MLAs Venzy Viegas and Viresh Borkar raised concerns over the presence of E. coli in water bodies, to which the minister reiterated that once subdivisions are created, they will begin issuing notices wherever testing of samples indicates contamination.
