PANAJI: The Goa State Pollution Control Board has issued a notice to Prabhu Violetta Phase I, a residential complex in Vasco, demanding an explanation within seven days as to why it should not face a penalty of ₹44,50,000 and ₹12,50,000 for discharging untreated sewage into the open environment. The complex has also been called to clarify why it has yet to secure valid operational consent under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974.
The Board has mandated an immediate halt to the sewage discharge, citing test results that reveal excessive levels for biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, ammonical nitrogen, total suspended solids, total nitrogen, and fecal coliform.
“Reports indicate inefficiencies in the operation of sewage treatment plants, leading to pollution in nearby areas,” remarked the board.
Furthermore, the complex is instructed to transport sewage collected in tanks from both treatment plants to the public works department’s sewage treatment facility daily via night soil tankers until the treatment plants are repaired, restored to effective operation, and valid consent is obtained.
Non-compliance will result in strict legal actions under the Act, as emphasized by member secretary Dr. Geeta S. Nagvenkar.
The Board highlighted the project’s failure to adhere to directives issued in March 2025, leading to the rejection of its consent renewal application due to unauthorized overflow into stormwater drains. Authorities were also directed to disconnect power and water supplies to the flats pending further orders.
The complex also failed to attend a personal hearing about a complaint from the Chicalim panchayat regarding the discharge of unhygienic sewage into a drain.
The Board stated that ongoing violations and operation without necessary consent indicate significant noncompliance, warning that further inspections will be executed to ensure adherence to environmental regulations and the safeguarding of public health.
