Goa continues to grapple with a serious ecological crisis with alarming pollution levels of its two major rivers, the Zuari and the Sal. Once vibrant lifelines of the state, these rivers are becoming increasingly compromised, leading to dire consequences for the environment and the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them. A joint study undertaken by the students of Goa University and Kyambogo University, Kaliro-Uganda revealed that both rivers are under significant anthropogenic pressure, potentially leading to further increase in their pollution levels.
An earlier report by the Ministry of Jal Shakti revealed that the Zuari and Sal are among six rivers in Goa classified as polluted, with their Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels exceeding three. This index is a significant indicator of water quality, revealing a river's ability to sustain aquatic life. The unacceptable levels of BOD suggest that untreated sewage and waste discharge from industries, factories, and even local residences are severely degrading water quality.
The culprits behind this pollution are manifold. Industrial establishments lacking proper waste management systems are directly discharging harmful effluents into these rivers, while nonchalant citizens indiscriminately toss their waste into the waters. As documented these anthropogenic activities undermine the health of the riparian ecosystems, resulting in diminished plant diversity and ecological degradation. The pollution not only impacts biodiversity but also threatens the very fabric of local livelihoods that depend on these resources for fishing and agriculture.
Moreover, as the state government eyes the rivers for cruise tourism and transportation projects, it raises pressing concerns regarding the exacerbation of ecological issues. On one hand, the promotion of tourism could bring economic benefits, yet it also risks worsening existing environmental challenges if not managed sustainably. The increased boat traffic, waste generation from tourists, and further urbanization could lead to irreparable damage if the underlying pollution problems remain unaddressed.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has acknowledged the crisis, tasking the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) with tackling the pollution problem. However, real change requires more than just directives. Effective and rigorous enforcement of environmental regulations is imperative. Many argue that current regulatory frameworks are insufficiently enforced, allowing players to escape accountability for their ecological transgressions. Without stringent measures, the rivers will continue to suffer the consequences of human negligence.
There can't be second thoughts about the need to revive and conserve our rivers before the State embarks on any ambitious plans. Immediate and decisive actions must be taken to restore the health of the Zuari and Sal rivers. This includes the establishment of better waste treatment facilities, stricter penalties for violators, and heightened public awareness campaigns on the importance of keeping our rivers clean. Innovations in sustainable tourism should be pursued to ensure that the economic benefits do not come at the expense of our natural resources.
Understandably, cleansing the rivers would be a monumental challenge before the government requiring huge finances and resources. A bigger dilemma is their upkeep and maintenance because while Goa has earned a name in raising infra, it has failed on the maintenance front. The fate of these rivers lies in our hands and whether we honour them as vital ecosystems or treat them as mere conduits for waste remains to be seen. Our responsibility is not only to preserve these invaluable assets for our current generations but also to safeguard them for future ones.
