IANS

Panaji, Sep 2: Goa's environmental watchdog is concerned over the pollution caused by over a dozen mines to the Selaulim reservoir that is the only source of potable water for the southern parts of the state.

Chairman of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) Simon de Souza said the board has increased the frequency of water testing to check for traces of heavy minerals found in mining silt in the reservoir. The pollution is being caused by 14 mines.

"We have increased the frequency of inspection from quarterly to once every month. We are looking out for traces of heavy minerals which could find their way into the reservoir," de Souza told IANS.

The action by the GSPCB follows allegations by the opposition parties that the 14 mines operating around Selaulim were dumping silt and mining rejects into the reservoir, reducing the water body's depth and polluting it.

"This is our department's response. We are more vigilant now. Inspections and examination of the water will be held every month for the next year in order to keep pollution levels in check," de Souza said.

Earlier, leader of opposition and former chief minister Manohar Parrikar said pollution in the Selaulim reservoir had reached hazardous proportions.

"There have been instances where mining silt is being directly washed into the Selaulim river basin. Massive quantities of silt is being washed into the reservoir and is badly affecting the reservoir's catchment area," he said.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has already acknowledged the dangers of operational mining leases surrounding the reservoir which caters to nearly half of Goa's 14 lakh population.

"All these 14 mining leases will be phased out in the next two or three years because of their proximity to the reservoir," Kamat, also minister for mining, said during the recently concluded monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly.