Vasco housing project asked to show cause for not paying sewage fine

Panaji: The Goa State Pollution Control Board has directed Prabhu Violetta Phase I, a residential complex in Vasco, to show cause within seven days why it should not be asked to pay environmental compensation of Rs 44,50,000 and Rs 12,50,000 for discharging untreated sewage into the open. It was also asked to explain why it has not obtained valid consent to operate under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 till date.

The board ordered it to immediately stop the discharge and noted that parameters such as biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, ammonical nitrogen, total suspended solids, total nitrogen and fecal coliform exceeded permissible limits in test results.

“The reports indicate that the sewage treatment plants are not being operated efficiently, resulting in pollution in the surrounding area,” the board said.

It further directed the complex to transport sewage collected in tanks from both treatment plants through night soil tankers to the public works department sewage treatment facility daily until the plants are repaired, fully functional and operating under supervision, and until valid consent is obtained.

Failure to comply will invite stringent legal action under the Act without further notice, member secretary Dr Geeta S Nagvenkar said.

The Board noted that the project failed to comply with directions issued in March 2025. Its application for renewal of consent to operate was rejected at the time for discharging overflow into storm water drains, and authorities were told to disconnect power and water supply to flats until further orders.

It also failed to appear for a personal hearing regarding a complaint by the Chicalim panchayat over discharge of unhygienic sewage into a drain.

The Board said continued violations and operation without mandatory consent reflect serious noncompliance and warned that further inspections will be carried out to ensure adherence to environmental norms and public health safeguards are maintained strictly.

Society reported 160 cases

Panaji: Around 160 cases of diarrhoea have been reported at a residential complex since March 12 after untreated STP water mixed with treated supply, contaminating the borewell. Following fresh discharge of STP water into the garden, the WRD sealed the contaminated borewell and water tanks on Saturday.“Until and unless the STP is fixed, the issue will not get resolved. Untreated water has contaminated the borewell,” said Chicalim sarpanch Kamla Prasad Yadav. A temporary health facility is being set up within the complex to monitor residents and provide basic medical assistance. Health officials are advising precautions and safe drinking water use