Following the Goa State Pollution Control Board’s (GSPCB) complaints about environmental pollution and sewage overflow at the Dabolim airport, Panaji the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has taken action to ensure that the airport functions in compliance with all environmental norms. Goa airport is managing municipal solid waste without causing any pollution to the surroundings.
Municipal sewage connection is not available for the airport and AAI has requested PWD to provide the same, several times. The recently installed sewage treatment plant, based on aerobic principle with carbon filter, sand filter and chlorine-dosing is in use and the treated water is tested regularly at the government lab, Panaji, said airport director M Suresh in his reply to the GSPCB.
Officers from GSPCB had served AAI with a notice after inspecting the airport in May this year, threatening legal action if the authority did not make arrangements for proper treatment and disposal of solid waste and sewage. Their inspections revealed that there was no meter to measure the treated wastewater, which allegedly overflowed into storm water drains. The AAI was given 15 days to clean up its act.
In its reply to the pollution watchdog, AAI clarified that Dabolim airport was a defence airport, under the control of the Indian Navy. AAI only controlled its civil enclave. It also reported that treated waste water was being used for gardening and maintenance and that there would be no overflow into the storm water drains. Action has been initiated to install a meter and sampling point, it added.
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