Calangute: The Calangute panchayat imposed a fine of Rs one lakh each on three hotels for releasing sewage into drains and on the road.
Panchayat secretary Arjun Velip said if they fail to pay the fine amount, then their trade licences will be revoked and the civic body would also be writing to the Goa State Pollution Control Board and other authorities to take stringent action against the polluters.
“After we were informed about sewage on the roads, we conducted an inquiry and three hotels in Gauravaddo, Tivaiwaddo and Naikawaddo, were found to be releasing sewage into drains and on the roads. The water then flows into the nullahs and into the sea, leading to pollution and filthy conditions. This has been having a negative impact on tourism in the coastal state,” sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said.
“After we were informed about these hotels releasing waste in the open, they were warned but they still refused to fall in line. This is having a negative impact on tourism. If people want tourism to continue in Calangute, then they should see that their soak pits do not overflow,” Sequeira said, adding, “Earlier the fine amount was Rs 25,000 which we have increased to Rs one lakh to create awareness about not releasing sewage on the road and into roadside drains.”