Black Water in Sal River Sparks Pollution Probe

Water samples were collected from the Sal river at Khareband on Friday by the Goa State Pollution Control Board, following resident reports of blackish water near the Khareband bridge two days prior. These samples will undergo laboratory testing to evaluate water quality and identify potential contamination sources.

This action occurs amidst escalating concerns regarding the river's degraded state. Residents contend that ongoing cleanup initiatives fail to target the primary pollution sources, asserting that the river's revival hinges on addressing sewage discharge from the nullahs that feed into it.

Cavelossim sarpanch Dixon Vaz has accused the Margao Municipal Council of inaction regarding illegal hutments along the Khareband riverbank. He claims these structures lack proper sanitation and contribute raw sewage directly to the river, citing a health department report that indicated a lack of required no-objection certificates and sanitation.

Previous reports have identified five major nullahs in Margao, including the Old Market nullah, as significant contributors to the river's pollution. Additional studies point to seepage from poorly maintained soak pits, laundry effluents, slaughterhouse runoff, and fish waste from the SGPDA wholesale fish market as further sources.

Official data revealed that dissolved oxygen levels at a downstream monitoring point had been close to zero for five consecutive months, indicating a severe impact on aquatic life. A joint inspection in April by various government bodies, including GSPCB and MMC, covered nullahs and discharge points in Margao, with residents now urging prompt action on the findings.