Goa Pollution Control Board Pushes for Stricter Sewage Treatment Rules
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has taken a decisive step toward enhancing environmental safeguards by formally writing to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department. In its communication, the board has urged the enforcement of a critical decision: all residential complexes with 24 or more flats must install sewage treatment plants (STPs).
Revised Threshold Based on Scientific Assessment
This move represents a significant shift from the existing regulations. Under the Goa Land Development and Buildings Regulations, 2010, STPs are currently mandatory only for complexes with 50 or more flats, with an exemption if units are connected to existing sewerage lines. However, the GSPCB conducted a comprehensive scientific study on wastewater generation in housing complexes, leading to this revised recommendation.
At a meeting held last year, the board extensively discussed the issue, noting that STPs in residential complexes are also the subject of an ongoing public interest litigation before the high court. In its September 11 order, the court observed that the state government has yet to finalize the minimum number of flats requiring an STP, emphasizing that such a decision should be made in consultation with the pollution control board.
Addressing Builder Accountability and Maintenance Concerns
While considering the existing 50-flat norm, the GSPCB resolved to urge the state government to lower the threshold to more than 24 flats, based on its scientific assessment. The board highlighted frequent complaints about non-functional STPs in housing complexes, which result in the discharge of untreated effluent into the environment.
Furthermore, the board pointed out a systemic issue: builders obtain consent to establish and operate from the board, but after selling the flats, "the builder does not maintain the STP and in some cases does not hand over the same to the housing society". This negligence leads to disputes and leaves STPs non-operational.
To mitigate this, the GSPCB has stipulated that builders must maintain the STP for three years or until the complex is handed over to the housing society. Additionally, once the STP is transferred, the housing society must receive proper training to operate and maintain it effectively.
Implications for Goa's Urban Development
This initiative by the GSPCB aims to strengthen wastewater management and ensure builder accountability in Goa's rapidly urbanizing landscape. By lowering the STP requirement threshold and enforcing maintenance protocols, the board seeks to prevent environmental degradation and promote sustainable residential development.
The TCP department's response to this request will be crucial in shaping future construction norms and enhancing the state's commitment to ecological preservation.
