Gaonkaari
PANAJI: A diarrhoeal outbreak at the Prabhu Violetta residential complex in Dabolim has been brought under control, with South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus confirming that no new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
Outbreak Under Control, 156 Cases Reported
A total of 156 cases have been recorded since March 12, with 55 cases reported in the first week.
While two cases were detected earlier this week, none were reported on Thursday. Health officials conducted screening across all 328 flats in the five-block complex, with most cases concentrated in one block.
STP Failure Identified as Cause
Authorities have confirmed that the outbreak was caused by water contamination due to a malfunctioning sewage treatment plant (STP).
Untreated sewage reportedly mixed with treated water and entered the borewell supply used by residents.
“All patients are being treated and given ORS and necessary medication,” the Collector said, adding that action will be initiated under the Goa Health Act.
GSPCB Finds Pollution Violations
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), following an inspection on March 16, found that the STPs at the site were not functioning properly.
Test results showed that pollution parameters such as BOD, COD, ammoniacal nitrogen, total suspended solids, and fecal coliform exceeded permissible limits.
The Board has directed the builder to immediately stop discharging untreated sewage and ensure sewage is transported to a government treatment facility until the STPs are fully operational.
It also noted that the project lacks a valid Consent to Operate.
Penalty Notice and Compliance Deadline
GSPCB has issued a show cause notice proposing environmental compensation of Rs 44.5 lakh along with an additional Rs 12.5 lakh for non-compliance.
The builder has been directed to submit a compliance report within 48 hours, failing which stringent legal action will follow.
WRD Flags Illegal Borewell Usage
In a parallel action, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has issued a show cause notice to M/s Prabhu Realtors for using borewell water meant only for construction purposes for domestic consumption.
Authorities have given the builder three days to respond, warning that failure to comply may lead to closure of the borewell and recovery of penalties as arrears of land revenue.
Legal action, including police proceedings, may also be initiated if public health has been compromised.
Multi-Agency Response on Ground
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said a coordinated response involving IDSP, DHS, SDH Chicalim, PHC Cortalim, FDA, and PWD is underway.
Measures include house-to-house surveillance, water testing, awareness campaigns, and continuous monitoring.
“All affected individuals are under close observation, and timely medical care is being provided,” Rane said.
Water Samples Show Mixed Results
Testing of water samples revealed that PWD tanks, swimming pools, and storage units were safe.
However, contamination was found in borewell water, pipelines, and garden outlets.
The builder has now arranged water supply through the Public Works Department as a temporary measure.
Public Advisory Issued
The Directorate of Health Services has urged residents to maintain hygiene and consume only boiled or treated water.
Citizens have been advised to avoid self-medication and seek immediate medical attention in case of severe symptoms such as prolonged diarrhoea, dehydration, vomiting, or fever.
Serious Lapses Highlighted
The incident has exposed significant lapses in infrastructure maintenance and regulatory compliance, prompting strict action from multiple government departments to safeguard public health and prevent recurrence.
