Residents of Nagoa in Verna, Goa, have sounded the alarm over the discharge of untreated industrial waste, which they allege is severely contaminating the source of River Sal. This vital waterway is considered the lifeline of the Salcete region.
Persistent Pollution Despite Official Inspections
Villagers report that a black, foul-smelling effluent from an industrial unit is being openly released. This toxic waste eventually flows into a water body that is directly connected to one of the key origins of River Sal. A concerned local confirmed that the pollutants are reaching a spring which feeds the river.
Despite the gravity of the situation, repeated official visits have failed to yield any corrective action. Three joint inspections have already been conducted by teams from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), and the Nagoa village panchayat. Residents point out that the problem intensifies under the cover of darkness, with discharge rates increasing during the night hours.
Health and Agricultural Fears Mount
The contamination has sparked immediate and serious health concerns within the community. Farmers working in fields near the polluted site have reported experiencing itching on their legs, a direct physical reaction hinting at the toxicity of the discharge.
This has led to growing apprehensions about the safety of agricultural produce, particularly paddy, cultivated in these affected areas. Villagers are deeply worried about the potential health implications for anyone consuming crops irrigated with contaminated water. They warn that the ongoing pollution could escalate into a full-blown public health crisis if left unchecked.
Call for Immediate Action
Frustrated by the lack of concrete steps following the inspections, the residents of Nagoa and Verna are demanding urgent intervention from the concerned authorities. Their primary demand is clear: an immediate halt to the discharge of untreated industrial effluents to protect River Sal, their health, and their livelihoods.
The community's plea underscores the critical need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to prevent irreversible damage to Goa's natural resources and safeguard public welfare.
