The Colva beach was iconic and its silver sands and serene nature in the 80s made it one of the biggest tourist attractions in the State. Cut into the present, and it cuts out a sorry picture with a stench of foul sewage emanating from the creek that welcomes visitors to the beach. Colva holds a legacy of being a must-visit locale down South, sewage stench is a huge turn-off. The sewage line and the treatment plant have been hit by roadblocks at various levels, but the irony is that there seems to be no urgency for resolution despite the High Court intervening.
We recall the court coming hard at the Goa State Pollution Control Board in April this year for ignoring establishments letting out sewage into the Colva Creek while instructing action and urgently commissioning the sewage treatment plant. Back then, the argument before the court was that there were very few takers for the sewage connection to which the court had asked GSPCB to check how these businesses treat their sewage and accordingly act if the creek has been used as an outlet.
Six months later, we are facing the same situation with the commissioning of the 7.5 mld sewage treatment plant (STP) at Colva plagued by delays with departments pushing the blame on each other. The Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) maintains that the plant could not be commissioned because the application for load enhancement is pending before the Electricity Department. In turn, the power department mentions that it is awaiting replies to queries from the SIDCGL, although an inspection is yet to be carried out.
The dilly-dallying and blame game is baffling against the State government’s mantra of Swacchta, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of 'Swachh Bharat’ which has a motto of enhancing sanitation and environmental health. The situation at Colva stands in stark contrast to this narrative, leading many to question the efficacy of initiatives aimed at improving urban infrastructure.
The delay reflects a disconnect between policy intentions and ground-level execution and paints a picture of inadequacy in addressing urgent infrastructure needs. Cleanliness and sanitation are not merely slogans but in cases like the STP in Colva, essential parameters for the preservation of ecosystems.
The STP project was conceived as a crucial component of Colva's broader sanitation strategy, especially since it is a tourist-heavy area. Proper waste management not only enhances the quality of life for locals but goes a long way to safeguard the natural vibe of the area. Locals and environmental activists have voiced their frustrations, but there seems to be no intent to get the plant up and running, putting a big question mark over the State’s sanitation ambitions.
It is crucial authorities invest more effort and resources in the Colva STP project. Prompt communication and engagement have been lacking leading to a void. Alignment of operational goals could happen by fostering collaboration between various stakeholders and authorities.
Finally, one is left with the question of whether the courts need to intervene to put in motion our sewerage systems. Does it have to tell authorities about their job? The buck has to stop somewhere. There is a greater need for accountability and action. Such delays not only defeat the objectives but also reflect poorly on the system.
