Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 3: Even as Goa has recorded significant progress in reducing polluted river stretches over the past six years, the deteriorating condition of the River Sal has raised serious environmental concerns, with pollution levels now breaching critical limits.

According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the number of polluted river stretches in the state has dropped sharply from 11 in 2018 to just two between 2018 and 2023. However, the improvement is overshadowed by the worsening health of the Sal river, now categorised as “critically polluted.”

Earlier falling under Criteria IV with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels between 6–10 mg/L, the Sal river now records BOD levels exceeding 20 mg/L. The stretch from Rumder to Orlem Bridge has been identified as highly polluted.

The Mapusa River remains the only other river in the state that continues to be polluted, with no improvement in its BOD levels and classification under Criteria V.

“Water quality of 15 rivers in Goa was monitored at 32 locations during 2022 and 2023. Out of these, four locations across two rivers were found non-complying with prescribed water quality criteria with respect to BOD,” the CPCB report stated.

The board has recommended a comprehensive restoration strategy focusing on source control, including identification and management of polluting sources such as sewage and effluent treatment plants, along with solid waste processing facilities. It has also stressed the need for river basin management, floodplain protection, improved irrigation practices, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge.

Goa had 11 highly polluted river stretches in 2018, which reduced to six by 2021, including stretches of the Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Khandepar, Mapusa, and Kalna rivers. Despite the overall decline, the sharp deterioration of the Sal river has emerged as a major environmental red flag for the state.