Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jun 11: In a move aimed at improving the quality of treated wastewater discharged into the environment, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has decided to impose penalties on hospitals, residential complexes and hotels whose sewage treatment plants (STPs) and effluent treatment plants (ETPs) fail to meet prescribed standards.
Under the new enforcement guidelines, establishments found violating discharge norms for the first time will be fined Rs 5,000. They will also be required to bear the expenses incurred by the GSPCB for recollecting and analysing samples.
For a second violation, the penalty will be increased to Rs 20,000, reflecting the board's intent to strengthen compliance and ensure better environmental protection.
The GSPCB has also directed hospitals, housing complexes and hotels to install Internet of Things (IoT)-based online monitoring systems for their STPs within six months. The board will regularly verify the performance of these systems and assess compliance with prescribed standards.
According to the guidelines, establishments must take corrective measures based on recommendations generated through online monitoring data. Failure to implement the required remedial actions will attract an additional penalty of Rs 10,000.
To facilitate implementation, the pollution control board plans to release a list of empanelled vendors authorised to install, operate and maintain the online monitoring systems.
The guidelines will be implemented on a case-by-case basis across multi-dwelling residential complexes, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions and public utility establishments.
The latest move builds upon earlier initiatives taken by the GSPCB. In May 2023, the board made continuous online monitoring mandatory for industries, hotels and commercial establishments discharging effluents. Later, in October 2025, it extended the requirement for sewage treatment plants to apartment complexes with 24 or more residential units to prevent wastewater contamination of groundwater resources.
The new framework has been formulated in line with recommendations issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Officials said the measures are expected to improve wastewater management practices across the state and help safeguard Goa's water resources and environmental health.