Goa Pollution Control Board Takes Action on Carambolim Waste Dumping Site
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has initiated a significant environmental investigation by collecting samples of waste dumped at a property in Carambolim. This action follows a comprehensive joint inspection prompted by serious complaints from local residents and parents of a nearby reputed school, who alleged that the site posed severe unhygienic conditions and a direct health hazard to the community.
Joint Inspection Reveals Environmental and Health Concerns
The inspection was conducted at the request of the property owner himself, bringing together officials from multiple key agencies. Representatives from the GSPCB, Goa Waste Management Corporation, the archives and archaeology department, and the Carambolim panchayat were all present to assess the situation. During the inspection, GSPCB officials, along with Carambolim panchayat secretary Sanmesh Sawant, sarpanch Kusta Salelkar, panch members Teoflina Cardozo and Dilip Pagi, the complainant, local activists, and residents, questioned the property owner extensively about various aspects of the waste accumulation.
Observations at the site revealed scattered bits of plastic, glass pieces, and other miscellaneous waste, despite recent efforts to clear the area. The local panchayat had previously issued a final notice to the property owner, directing him to remove the waste and imposing a substantial fine of Rs 1 lakh for the hazardous dumping of mixed waste. The notice explicitly stated, "The accumulation of waste near residential houses has generated foul odour, vector nuisance and poses a serious risk to public health and groundwater safety."
Longstanding Issue with Environmental Impact
This dumping activity has been an ongoing problem for approximately five years, with locals reporting instances where they had to physically stop trucks from unloading waste at the site. According to the panchayat notice, the property owner had failed to obtain necessary approvals from the GSPCB and other relevant authorities, compounding the regulatory violations.
The environmental stakes are particularly high, as the property is situated on a plateau that forms part of an ecologically fragile green area. It is integral to the hydrological system of the Carambolim lake, with a spring at Azossim flowing nearby, as highlighted by locals during the inspection. Additionally, the site abuts the second longest fort wall in India, prompting sarpanch Kusta Salelkar to announce that he would pursue government notification for its protection.
Health Complaints from School Parents
Parents from a nearby reputed school, who were present during the inspection, voiced strong concerns about the health impacts on their children. They alleged that the offloading of garbage at the site led to a significant increase in flies, creating intolerable conditions. One parent recounted, "Our children suffered due to the stench and they couldn’t even open their lunch tiffins," underscoring the daily disruptions caused by the waste.
Owner's Response and Future Steps
In response to the scrutiny, property owner Prasad Parulekar assured officials that he would obtain all requisite approvals for treating waste in the future. He stated, "We have completely stopped bringing the waste to the site," while also blaming unidentified individuals for dumping waste at night. However, it was noted that he had not filed any written complaint regarding these alleged nocturnal activities, leaving some questions unanswered.
The GSPCB's sampling and the joint inspection mark a critical step in addressing this environmental and public health issue, with ongoing monitoring expected to ensure compliance and safeguard the community's well-being.
