Monitor Bethora industrial odour continuously; submit report by December 30: Rights Panel
The Goa Human Rights Commission has recommended continued monitoring of an industrial unit at Bethora to prevent recurrence of foul odour and sought an action-taken report from the Goa State Pollution Control Board, local panchayat and Ponda Health Officer by December 30, 2026.The Commission initiated suo motu proceedings following a newspaper report on residents’ complaints of foul odour and pollution from industrial units. An initial inspection on August 5 detected foul odour within two units, following which the panchayat issued a notice seeking removal of sludge and stoppage of waste discharge into the nullah. Subsequent inspections, including the latest on October 26, recorded no discharge from the two units into the Bethora nullah and a reduction in foul odour. The Commission noted that measures included netting and plantations to reduce odour dispersion, while sludge had been shifted to a common treatment facility.The three authorities have been asked to submit their comments, including action taken or proposed, within 60 days or on or before December 30.
