The Bombay High Court, while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation concerning large quantities of dead fish found floating in Mala Lake, was informed by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) on Wednesday that it has sealed the outlets of seven residences found to be releasing sewage directly into the lake.
Court Directives on Sewerage Connections
The high court directed the owners of the affected houses to apply for sewerage connections from the Sewage and Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa. Justice Jitendra Jain instructed the sewerage corporation to decide on these applications expeditiously.
Further Violations Identified
The CCP discovered an additional seven residences near the lake that were discharging wastewater into it. During the hearing, the court was also informed that one sewage line was found damaged during inspection, and the sewerage corporation is taking swift steps to rectify the defect.
Joint Inspection Ordered
Last week, the high court directed a joint site inspection by the Goa State Pollution Control Board, the water resources department, and the fisheries department to identify those discharging sewage directly into the lake. The court instructed the CCP commissioner to conduct a joint inspection of each house to ascertain the exact cause for the presence of faecal coliform bacteria, identify its sources, and take immediate action, including sealing.
Legal Observations
The high court observed that in cases of environmental degradation and health hazards, no prior notices are required before sealing or taking action under the CCP Act and the Public Health Act. This ruling underscores the urgency of addressing pollution in water bodies to protect public health and the environment.
