Goa Pollution Board Demands Rs 57 Lakh Compensation from Vasco Residential Complex for Sewage Violations
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has taken stringent action against Prabhu Violetta Phase I, a residential complex in Vasco, for serious environmental violations. The board has directed the complex to show cause within seven days why it should not be required to pay environmental compensation totaling Rs 57 lakh for discharging untreated sewage into open areas.
Details of the Environmental Compensation and Violations
The compensation comprises two amounts: Rs 44,50,000 and Rs 12,50,000, reflecting the severity of the pollution caused. Additionally, the board has ordered the complex to immediately cease all discharge activities and explain why it has failed to obtain a valid consent to operate under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 to date.
Test results revealed that key pollution parameters, including biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, ammonical nitrogen, total suspended solids, total nitrogen, and fecal coliform, exceeded permissible limits. "The reports indicate that the sewage treatment plants are not being operated efficiently, resulting in pollution in the surrounding area," stated the board in its notice.
Immediate Actions and Compliance Orders
To mitigate the ongoing pollution, the GSPCB has mandated that the complex transport all sewage collected in tanks from both treatment plants via night soil tankers to the Public Works Department sewage treatment facility daily. This measure must continue until:
- The plants are fully repaired and functional.
- Operations are conducted under proper supervision.
- A valid consent to operate is obtained.
Failure to comply will result in stringent legal action under the Act without further notice, as warned by Member Secretary Dr. Geeta S. Nagvenkar.
History of Non-Compliance and Public Health Impact
The board noted that the project has a history of non-compliance, having failed to adhere to directions issued in March 2025. At that time, its application for renewal of consent to operate was rejected due to discharging overflow into storm water drains. Authorities were instructed to disconnect power and water supply to flats until further orders.
Furthermore, the complex failed to appear for a personal hearing regarding a complaint by the Chicalim panchayat over the discharge of unhygienic sewage into a drain. "Continued violations and operation without mandatory consent reflect serious noncompliance," the board emphasized, warning that further inspections will be conducted to ensure strict adherence to environmental norms and public health safeguards.
Health Crisis Linked to Sewage Contamination
In a related development, a significant health issue has emerged at the complex. Since March 12, approximately 160 cases of diarrhoea have been reported among residents. This outbreak occurred after untreated sewage treatment plant (STP) water mixed with the treated supply, contaminating the borewell.
Following a fresh discharge of STP water into the garden, the Water Resources Department (WRD) sealed the contaminated borewell and water tanks on Saturday. Chicalim Sarpanch Kamla Prasad Yadav commented, "Until and unless the STP is fixed, the issue will not get resolved. Untreated water has contaminated the borewell."
A temporary health facility is being established within the complex to monitor residents and provide basic medical assistance. Health officials are actively advising precautions and promoting the use of safe drinking water to prevent further illnesses.
